Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. However, some tumors are not really cancer because they cannot spread or threaten someone's life. These are called benign tumors. The tumors that can spread throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancer and are called malignant tumors. Usually, prostate cancer is very slow growing. However, sometimes it will grow quickly and spread to nearby lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, pea-sized pieces of tissue that filter and clean lymph, a clear liquid waste product. If prostate cancer has spread to your lymph nodes when it is diagnosed, it means that there is higher chance that it has spread to other areas of the

Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs in men mostly over the age of 50. It can occur in younger men but this is very rare indeed. Exactly why anyone develops prostate cancer at any time is not known. It is thought that some people have a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer, but there may also be factors which bring it on earlier in life.

Caught early on, prostate cancer is a very treatable disease. Unfortunately about half the men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are diagnosed at a late stage when the disease is less treatable. It is therefore important to be aware of your prostate's health after the age of 45. Being aware of the signs that something might be wrong, and going for regular health checks with your GP can help you catch the disease in the bud before it becomes more serious.

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can seem like a death sentance, but for many men the disease progresses very slowly. Indeed many men die with prostate cancer, but not because of it. There is a wide range of treatments available for localised prostate cancer, and most men will be given a choice.

For men who have been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, management of the disease is more possible than a cure. Again, there are a number of different treatments available which can control the spread of the cancer or treat painful side effects. Although choice may be limited due to your own circumstances, it is good to know about what is happening to you.

Everyone who is diagnosed with cancer will learn to live with it, whether they are cured, or have the advanced form of the disease. The Prostate Cancer Charity is dedicated to helping you through the difficulties.