Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. It generally grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland.
Risk factors include advanced age (more common after age 50), family history, race (more frequent in men of African descent) and diet.
In its early stages it may not present symptoms, which is why early detection through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing and digital rectal examination is essential.
Treatments range from active surveillance to radical surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor.