The Saint Francis Cancer Center treats prostate cancer. This type of cancer is most common in older men. In the U.S., about one out of five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the prostate gland. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system and is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen.

As with any cancer, if prostate cancer is advanced or left untreated in early stages, it may eventually spread through the blood and lymph fluid to other organs. Fortunately, prostate cancer tends to be slow-growing as compared to other cancers. As much as 90 percent of all prostate cancers remain dormant and clinically unimportant for decades. The majority of older men eventually develop at least microscopic evidence of prostate cancer, but it usually grows so slowly that most are never aware.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. In fact, in many instances, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up.

Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• The urge to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting and/or holding back urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Prostate Cancer Test and Diagnosis 
Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Learn More About Common Types of Cancer

To learn more about different types of cancer, please review the links below. For additional Saint Francis Cancer Center information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.

Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Head and Neck Cancers
Hodgkin's Disease
Leukemia
Lung Cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Prostate Cancer
Skin Cancer
Pediatric Cancers