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Prostate Cancer - Know your Enemy What is your prostate? The prostate is a gland that is the size of a walnut. It is situated below the bladder. The urethra, which is the conduit for both urine and semen, passes through the middle of the prostate. The function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid. When ejaculation occurs the muscles of the prostate contract forcing the seminal fluid, and with it sperm, out through the penis. What is Prostate Cancer? Cancer of the prostate is not always aggressive or life-threatening. However, one quarter of new cancer cases in men in the UK are due to prostate cancer and prostate cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in men in the UK. Cancer has two distinctive features. First, it can grow in an uncontrolled way, and, secondly it can escape from the area in which it originated and invade other parts of the body. In the case of prostate cancer, if it escapes from the prostate gland it can spread to the adjacent seminal vesicles or erectile nerves. If it spreads further it can enter the blood or lymphatic systems and circulate throughout the body. Eventually these cancer cells thrive by attaching themselves to lymph nodes, bones or other organs. Many men have some cancer cells in their prostate and as they grow older the percentage of men with such cancerous cells increases. For example in the 40-49 year age group 39% of men will have some cancerous prostate cells and in the 70-79 year age group, this increases to 80%. However, not all cancer cells grow rapidly in an uncontrolled way. So a prostate cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a cause for 'doom and gloom'. Members of Prospect have all been through the experience, that can be devastating, of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. By sharing our experience with you we can help. For further information follow these links: UK Prostate-link Prostate Action McMillan Cancer Support NHS Cancer Research UK - mortality statistics age Cancer Research UK - mortality statistics males Refresh this page
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