Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor growth within the prostate gland.

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, though some studies have shown a relationship between certain dietary factors as well as increased testosterone levels. There is no known association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Men at higher risk include black men over 60 years old, farmers, tire workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest incidence occurs in Japanese men and vegetarians.

Early identification is possible by yearly screening of men over 40 or 50 years old through digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test.

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