Prostate cancer ranks among the most common cancers affecting men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people misunderstand or overlook it—especially during the early stages when treatment works best. This blog sheds light on prostate cancer: what it is, how it develops, who faces the highest risk, symptoms to watch for, and modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate and seminal vesicles form part of the male reproductive system. The prostate measures about the size of a walnut. Attached to the back of the prostate are two smaller pairs of glands called seminal vesicles. The prostate sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, a small tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.
The prostate and seminal vesicles produce fluid for semen. During ejaculation, sperm move into the urethra along with fluid from these glands. This mixture of semen then travels through the urethra and exits the penis as ejaculate.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Cancer results from abnormal cell growth that disrupts the body’s normal functions. The cancer develops when abnormal cells form and multiply in the prostate gland. Not all abnormal growths—called tumors—are cancerous (malignant); some are benign.
Benign growths, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), do not threaten life. They do not spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Doctors can remove these growths, but they may regrow slowly.
Cancerous growths, like prostate cancer, can spread (metastasize) to nearby organs and tissues, such as the bladder or rectum. Even after removal, cancerous growths may return. If the cancer spreads far beyond the prostate (metastatic disease), it can become life-threatening.
Types of Prostate Cancer
The type of cancer depends on the cells where it originates. Several types exist:
- Adenocarcinoma of the prostate: These cancers develop in the gland cells lining the prostate and its ducts. Gland cells produce prostate fluid. Adenocarcinomas represent the most common type of cancer, found in nearly all cases. Subtypes include Acinar and Ductal adenocarcinoma.
- Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate: This cancer begins in the cells lining the urethra. It usually originates in the bladder and spreads into the prostate, but can rarely start in the prostate itself, potentially spreading to the bladder entrance and nearby tissues.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: These cancers develop from flat cells covering the prostate and tend to grow and spread faster than adenocarcinomas.
- Small cell prostate cancer: This neuroendocrine cancer grows faster than other prostate cancer types.
How Common is Prostate Cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates the following for prostate cancer in the United States in 2025:
- About 313,780 new cancer cases
- Approximately 35,770 deaths due to cancer
Diagnoses declined sharply between 2007 and 2014, correlating with fewer men being screened following changes in screening guidelines. Since 2014, incidence rates have increased by 3% annually.
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, after lung cancer. Despite these figures, early detection makes cancer highly treatable. The overall five-year survival rate, combining all stages, stands at about 97%.
Risk of Getting Prostate Cancer
Age, race, and family history significantly influence risk. Most men diagnosed are over 65, with an average diagnosis age of 67. Statistically, about 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 44 will die from it. Many cancers grow slowly and never become life-threatening, especially if detected early.
Key Developments in Prostate Cancer
- On March 28, 2025, Novartis announced FDA approval for Pluvicto to treat patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This targeted therapy can delay disease progression better than a second androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), potentially changing treatment paradigms.
- On March 21, 2025, Telix Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for Gozellix, a next-generation PSMA-PET imaging agent with a longer shelf life (up to six hours) and a wider distribution radius compared to existing gallium-based products.
- On March 16, 2025, the phase 3 PROSTATE-IQ trial began enrolling patients. This trial evaluates the ArteraAI Prostate Test, which uses artificial intelligence on digital biopsy images and clinical data to identify patients who may safely reduce or avoid hormone therapy.
- On February 12, 2025, Artera and Tempus announced a collaboration to expand access to the ArteraAI Prostate Test. Tempus, which connects with over 50% of U.S. oncologists, will help commercialize this prostate cancer risk stratification tool.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men, typically growing slowly. Screening enables early detection and improves treatment outcomes, though aggressive therapy is not always necessary. Age, family history, and lifestyle strongly influence risk. Ongoing research advances therapies, raising hope for better management and survival. Maintaining regular check-ups and awareness remains essential for timely intervention.
