by Brandon Cornett
This type of cancer affects the prostate, which is a gland in men that produces fluid for semen. The prostate is located between a man’s bladder and rectum. It is roughly the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra.
Prostate cancer begins within the prostate, obviously, but can spread from there. As with many types of cancer, prostate cancer involves the development of abnormal tumor cells. These cells grow within the prostate gland and can begin to take over healthy cells. Once this occurs, there is an increased risk of the cancer spreading beyond the prostate. Compared to other common cancer types, prostate cancer is considered slow growing / slow spreading.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. In fact, within the United States, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer for men. Because of this, there is much research currently underway to help prevent, detect and treat prostate cancer in men.
Cancer of the prostate occurs most in men over fifty years old. That’s why most doctors advise their patients to undergo screening for prostate cancer starting at age forth. A physical examination can help detect abnormalities within the prostate that may be signs of cancer. This kind of early detection is key in the treatment of prostate cancer. Treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.
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