Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder that is responsible for secreting one of the components of semen. Prostate cells may grow out of control and become cancerous when stimulated by male hormones, including testosterone.

additional resources

Men who are older, are Black, have a family history of the disease or have certain inherited genes are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Lifestyle matters, too: Smoking increases the risk of fatal prostate cancer and excess body weight increases the risk of aggressive and fatal prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. When it does, symptoms can include frequent urination or other urinary issues, problems with erection or ejaculation, weakness or numbness in the legs and feet and pressure or pain in the rectum or pelvis. Because symptoms are uncommon, it’s important that men make a prostate cancer screening plan with their doctor.