Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men but it is also one of the most treatable. If you or someone you care about has prostate cancer, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.
From early screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment and survivorship, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center offers all the services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.
The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It is about the size of a walnut. The prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around part of the tube called the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.
The prostate produces a fluid that is part of semen, the fluid released during ejaculation.
As men get older, the prostate often grows larger. This is usually not cancer. However, because the prostate is close to the bladder and urethra, changes in the gland can cause problems with urination.
Prostate cancer starts when abnormal cells form in the prostate and begin to grow. These cells don't act like normal cells. They may divide too quickly and live longer than they should.
Some prostate cancers grow very slowly. A person might live for years without symptoms or problems. Other prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body, like bones or lymph nodes.
Most cases of prostate cancer are found in men over age 50.
Most prostate cancers are a type called adenocarcinomas. They begin in the cells that make the fluid in semen.
Less common types of prostate cancer include:
Knowing the type of prostate cancer helps doctors choose the best treatment.
Find out more about how prostate cancer is diagnosed.
There is no single known cause of prostate cancer. It usually happens because of a mix of age, genetics and changes inside prostate cells over time.
Experts know that some things can increase the chance of getting it. Common risk factors include:
Prostate cancer happens more often in African American men. It happens less often in Asian American, Hispanic and Latino men than in non-Hispanic white men.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get prostate cancer. It just means your chance might be higher.
Learn more about causes and risk factors.
Many men with early prostate cancer don't have any symptoms. That's why regular check-ups can be very helpful.
When symptoms do happen, they may include:
These symptoms can also happen because of non-cancerous prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection.
Learn more about these symptoms and when to talk to your health care provider.
Prostate cancer is usually found during routine screening, before any symptoms appear. Screening helps find cancer early, when it might be easier to treat.
Screening tools include:
Banner MD Anderson offers a dedicated PSA Clinic to help guide next steps if your levels are elevated.
If screening results are abnormal, your provider may recommend more tests. These may include:
Your provider will use this information to assign a grade and stage of the cancer. These details help guide treatment decisions.
Learn more about the full diagnosis and staging process for prostate cancer.
Not all prostate cancers need to be treated right away. Your care plan depends on different things, like the type and stage of cancer and your overall health. At Banner MD Anderson, your team may include urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists.
Common treatment options include:
Your care team will help you understand how each treatment works, what to expect and how we support your recovery.
Find out more about treatment options and supportive care.
At Banner MD Anderson, you get expert care, advanced technology and support every step. You will receive:
When prostate cancer is found early, treatment options are often more effective and less invasive.
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