What is Prostate Cancer?

 

Cancer is a disease that starts in our cells.  Our bodies consist of millions of cells that group together to form organs and tissues – lungs, liver, muscles and bones.  Genes inside of each cell tell it when to grow, work, reproduce and die.  Under normal circumstances these orders are very clear; the cells obey them, and we remain healthy.

 

But when a cell’s instructions get confused, it grows abnormally.  These abnormal cells will form groups over time and result in lumps or tumours.  Sometimes, these abnormal cells will invade the tissues around them and spread to other parts of the body – this is cancer.  Cancerous tumours can be dangerous and it is very important to find them and treat them before they spread.

 

Cancers are generally named after the body part where they start – most prostate cancer starts in the glandular tissue of the prostate.  It is called ADENOCARCINOMA. 

 

Prostate cancer is often slow-growing and can be managed very successfully but it is important to diagnose it early.