The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder and it is about the size of a walnut. It secretes a milky fluid that is a component of semen. Since the gland is located directly in front of the rectum, it can be felt by performing a rectal exam.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer other than skin cancer in men in the United States.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 1994. This is up from the 165,000 cases that were reported in 1993. Since people are living longer, the incidence of prostate cancer will increase proportionately. Approximately 35,000 men die of prostate cancer every year. That makes it the second leading cause of cancer deaths among males.