Prostate cancer is an important health care problem. The incidence 15 years ago was calculated as being 1 in 18 men, equivalent to 1 player in an Australian Rules football side being affected. The actual incidence is age related with virtually hardly any cases under the age of 50.
Prostate cancer is the most common tumour found in men.
As men get older they have an increased chance of developing a prostate cancer, but generally speaking they have a reduced chance of dying from it. It is usually one of the slowest growing tumours. Many men with prostate cancer live for many years with little or no trouble. The prostate gland is a small gland about the size of a walnut, which surrounds the opening to the bladder, rather like a doughnut with a hole in the middle. It provides fluid for the sperm to be nourished and transported when ejaculation occurs.