This natural process allows the body to grow and to heal itself. Cancer cells divide and multiply uncontrollably. When these cells generally reproduce they form masses known as tumors which can interfere with the body's normal function. If a tumor is malignant, or cancerous, small portions of it can break off and travel to other areas of the body where new tumors, called metastases, may develop. This is how cancer spreads or metastasizes.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer occurring in men.
It is estimated that one in every 10 American men will develop prostate cancer at some time in his life. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 184,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Although younger men can develop prostate cancer, the risk increases with age. The average age of the prostate cancer patient is 72. For unknown reasons, African-American men are at a higher risk than other men.