PROSTATE CANCER DEFINITION

The prostate is a doughnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body via the penis). It produces fluid to nourish sperm and needs the hormone testosterone, produced by the testes, for normal function.

Apart from the risk of developing cancer, the prostate can cause difficulties due to enlargement. The medical term for enlargement of the prostate is BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Bacterial infection (prostatitis) of the prostate may also occur.

Prostate cancer is rare before the age of 50. In about two thirds of cases, prostate cancer is caused by latent or slow growing tumours and will not present clinically during the patient’s lifetime.