Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in men, with the exception of skin cancer. It is also among the types of cancers that cause the most deaths in men, usually ranking after lung cancer and at a similar level to colorectal cancer in cancer deaths. However, the disease usually develops slowly and has a high survival rate when detected early. Over the past decade, survival rates have improved considerably due to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

The prostate is a walnut-size gland that is part of the male reproductive system, making fluid that is part of semen. gland. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

The prostate generally increases in size as men age. The risk for prostate cancer also increases with age, although scientists do not know what causes prostate cancer. The slow growth of the disease in most men make it a common condition in elderly men, although not one that always requires treatment. The incidence of prostate cancer is higher in North America and Europe than other parts of the world. African American men have a higher rate than other men in the United States.

Prostate cancer in the early stages often has no symptoms. Most cases are diagnosed before symptoms appear. When symptoms are present they can be confused with signs of benign diseases. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, an urgency to urinate and pain in the pelvic region.

Two screening tools are commonly used with middle-aged and elderly men to help urologists and other physicians check for prostate cancer. These are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. If these tests suggest a problem, ultrasound and biopsy help in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Treatment options for prostate cancer vary depending on the man's age, general health and stage of the cancer. Sometimes prostate cancer is monitored but not treated (known as “watchful waiting”) because it poses little threat. Treatment of aggressive tumors and of men with more than 10 years of life expectancy can include radiation therapy, surgical removal of the gland, hormone therapy and chemotherapy if spread of the cancer is suspected. It is not clear if prostate cancer can be prevented but a healthful diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in animal fats may help.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that nearly 219,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007. In the same year, about 27,000 men will die from the disease. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance for survival. More than 90 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in the early stage, before they have spread to other parts of the body. The five-year survival rate for patients whose cancer is diagnosed in this early stage is nearly 100 percent. The 10-year survival rate is 93 percent and for 15 years, it is 77 percent. The survival rates have improved considerably during the past 20 years.