Prostate Cancer Basics
Prostate Cancer is second largest cancer killer of men in the U.S. It is so prevalent that one man in six will get it during their lifetime, and one in 33 will die of the disease. However, there is good news - if prostate cancer is detected early, it is almost 100 percent curable.Other good news is that incidence of prostate cancer in the U.S. and deaths by the disease have been trending downward in the last few years due to early detection and treatment.
Related Articles:
- 2007 Prostate Cancer Statistics--. a summary of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) report
- 2006 Prostate Cancer Statistics-- summary from the ACS '06 report
- 2005 Prostate Cancer Statistics-- a summary of the '05 report
- What is Prostate Cancer?-- information about this male only disease...
- What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?-- describes symptoms of prostate cancer.
The Prostate Gland
The prostate is a small (normally smaller than a golf ball) gland located beneath the urinary bladder and wrapped around the urethra in the pelvic area of men. Women do not have prostates.Due to its location below the bladder and directly in front of the rectum, the prostate can be palpated through the rectum in an exam known as a digital rectal exam (DRE). A normal prostate has a soft feel to the touch, even in consistency without lumps.
Although it is called a gland, an organ would be a more descriptive term for the prostate. It is made of two lobes (or regions) completely surrounded by an outer tissue layer.
What Does a Prostate Do?
The prostate produces a fluid that makes up about 30 percent of semen and prepares the sperm for their long journey to fertilize an egg in a woman's uterus. Prostatic fluid lubricates the urethra before ejaculation starting when the man becomes excited or erect.
Prostatic fluid bathes the sperm when it is mixed with them during ejaculation. The fluid provides the sperm cells with nourishment and activates them to "swim". Prostatic fluid has a high pH (alkaline) which makes the receiving vagina less acidic. These prostatic responsibilities mean men without prostates are generally sterile.
Related Articles:
- Prostate Cancer-- A male only cancer which will affect one in six men in their lives. What is the Prostate and What Does it do?-- in-depth information about the male only gland and its function.
- VIDEO: What is Prostate Cancer?-- This video discusses the basics of prostate cancer...
- VIDEO: Prostate Cancer Explained-- Another basic prostate cancer video...
What Other Diseases Affect the Prostate?
The prostate is affected by two other categories of problems:- Prostatitis-- inflammation of the prostate causing swelling and symptoms similar to prostate cancer. Many men are diagnosed with prostatitis both when young and old. But is it prostate cancer? Can it lead to prostate cancer?
- Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)-- non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate, is often diagnosed to men as they age.
