Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and among men in the United States. It develops in the prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid and is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly and doesn't usually cause symptoms until it's been growing for a while.
Screening for men over 40 is available through a PSA blood test. If PSA levels are consistently above normal, your doctor will begin evaluating the cause.
For many men, prostate cancer remains confined to the prostate for years and treatment does not need to begin right away. However, some forms can be more aggressive and spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body, making early detection and appropriate monitoring important.
Treatment decisions are often based on how quickly the cancer is growing, whether it has spread, and a patient’s overall health and goals of care.
Learn more about how prostate cancer is diagnosed.
