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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffProstate cancer is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting about one in six men in the United States. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be scary not only because it can be life-threatening, but also because treatments can cause side effects such as bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction (impotence). But diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have gotten much better in recent years.
Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. If prostate cancer is detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — you have a better chance of successful treatment.
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- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008, 10th ed. Prostate Cancer.
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- National Cancer Institute. PC-SPES, Patient version (9/21/07). Accessed online, 1/20/08: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/pc-spes
- Gaziano JM, et al. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate and total cancer in men: The physicians' health study II randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/2008.862v1. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Lippman SM, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancer: The selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). Journal of the American Medical Association. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/2008.864v1. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 2, 2009.
