What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer of Australian men and second highest cause of cancer deaths of men.

The prostate is an organ of the male reproductive tract that supplies components of semen to protect and aid sperm function. The prostate sits at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra (the tube that conducts urine from the bladder to the penis).

Prostate cancer is formed by "rogue" cells that grow more rapidly than normal to form a tumour. Cells of these tumours may metastasise to invade other parts of the body (commonly bone and lymph nodes) to form secondary tumours. At this stage prostate cancer can be treated but not cured. Whilst still localised to the prostate, the cancer can be cured. Early detection is therefore essential.

The image is a cross section through the prostate showing the various regions. The peripheral zone is the main site of cancer development.