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Prostate cancer

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Affects the prostate gland in men
  • Most common in men over 50
  • Often curable with early diagnosis
  • Various treatment options available

Overview

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small gland located just below the bladder in men. This gland produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. The cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages. While the exact cause is not fully understood, age is a primary risk factor, with most cases occurring in men over 50. Family history and ethnic background also play a role. If diagnosed early, prostate cancer often responds well to treatment. Management strategies vary widely depending on the cancer's stage, aggressiveness, and the patient's overall health. Options range from active monitoring to surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, aiming to cure the disease or control its progression.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in urine or semen (less common)
  • Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis (advanced stages)

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Age (over 50 years old)
  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • African Caribbean ethnic background
  • Obesity

Diagnosis

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
  • Digital rectal exam (DRE)
  • MRI scan of the prostate
  • Prostate biopsy (tissue sample)

Treatment & Management

  • Active surveillance (close monitoring)
  • Surgery (prostatectomy)
  • Radiotherapy (external beam or brachytherapy)
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy (for advanced cancer)
  • Targeted therapy

Prevention

  • Regular check-ups for men over 50
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Engage in regular physical activity

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Prostate cancer:

Prostate Cancer Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Prostate cancer:

Radical Prostatectomy

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Men over 50

Prevalence

Common cancer in men

Diagnosis

PSA test, DRE, biopsy

Treatment

Surgery, radiotherapy, surveillance

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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