prostate cancer overview

Source: National Cancer Institute

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States (other than skin cancer). Of all the men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, more than one-fourth have prostate cancer.

Research is increasing our understanding of prostate cancer. Scientists are learning more about the possible causes of prostate cancer and are looking for new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat this disease. Because of this research, men with prostate cancer now have a lower chance of dying from the disease.

The Cancer Information Service and the other NCI resources listed in the "National Cancer Institute Information Resources" section provide the latest, most accurate information about prostate cancer. Publications listed in the "National Cancer Institute Booklets" section are available from the Cancer Information Service. Also, many NCI publications may be viewed or ordered on the Internet at http://cancer.gov/publications.

The Prostate Gland

The prostate is a gland in a man's reproductive system. It makes and stores seminal fluid, a milky fluid that nourishes sperm. This fluid is released to form part of semen.

The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. If the prostate grows too large, the flow of urine can be slowed or stopped.

To work properly, the prostate needs male hormones (androgens). Male hormones are responsible for male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone, which is made mainly by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands.

Illustration of the prostate gland and surrounding structures

Other Prostate Cancer Information Resources

National Institute on Aging Information Center
The National Institute on Aging, an agency of the Federal Government, is concerned with the health problems of older Americans. The Information Center can send free printed material, including fact sheets about going to the hospital and about prostate problems, sexuality, and urinary incontinence. The phone number for the Center is 1-800-222-2225. The Web site address for the Center is http://www.nia.nih.gov/index.html .

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
This Clearinghouse is a service of the Federal Government's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It can supply free information about benign prostate enlargement and other noncancerous urinary tract problems. The phone number for the Clearinghouse is 301-654-4415. The Web site address for the Clearinghouse is http://www.niddk.nih.gov/Health/health.htm.

National Cancer Institute Information Resources

You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.

Telephone
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Provides accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general public. Information specialists translate the latest scientific information into understandable language and respond in English, Spanish, or on TTY equipment.

Toll-free: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1-800-332-8615

Internet
http://cancer.gov
NCI's Web site contains comprehensive information about cancer causes and prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment and survivorship; clinical trials; statistics; funding, training, and employment opportunities; and the Institute and its programs.

See the complete index of What You Need To Know About™ Cancer publications.

Posted January 2004
Updated October 2009

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