What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant growth of cells of the prostate gland, called adenocarcinoma. Only men have a prostate gland and it is located underneath the bladder with the urethra passing through it. Its normal function is to produce a thick fluid that is the main component of semen. The growth of the prostate gland is regulated by the male sex hormone testosterone.

Prevalence

Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men in the UK affecting 33000 every year. Two thirds of prostate cancer happens in men over 70. Often it is very slow growing – they usually die of something other than their prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50 but when it does occur, it is often highly malignant and fast growing.

Amended April 2008