Some men who have slow-growing cancer can be monitored without treatment. Others live for a long time with prostate cancer that has spread to other sites in the body. Cancer that has spread is not curable in most cases. Unless other illnesses occur first, cancer that has spread usually causes death. Prostate cancer is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
Prostate cancer does run in families.
Brothers or sons of men who develop cancer should be aware of their family history. The proper management of the many stages of prostate cancer is controversial. Often the prostate is not removed. A cure for prostate cancer is not available. Researchers continue to search for a cure.