PROSTATE CANCER RESOURCE CENTRE

Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumour that consists of cells from the prostate gland. The tumour usually grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. During this time, the tumour produces little or no symptoms or outward signs (abnormalities on physical examination). As the cancer advances, however, it can spread beyond the prostate into the surrounding tissues (local spread). Moreover, the cancer also can metastasize (spread even farther) throughout other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs, and liver. Symptoms and signs, therefore, are more often associated with advanced prostate cancer.

Why is Prostate Cancer Important?

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in American men and the second leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer. Most experts in this field, therefore, recommend that beginning at age 50, all men should undergo yearly screening for prostate cancer.

Expert Author:

Dr Lewis Liew, Consultant Urologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon