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    • Cancer
    • Prostate
    • Guide
    • Overview & Facts
      • The Basics
      • What Causes Prostate Cancer?
      • Potential Risk Factors
      • Myths About Prostate Cancer
    • Symptoms & Stages
      • Prostate Cancer Symptoms
      • When You Should Seek Medical Help
      • When the Cancer Spreads
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      • Detecting the Cancer
      • Digital Rectal Exam
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    Overview & Facts

    Cancer of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system, is a major health concern for American men. The disease is rare before age 50, and experts believe most elderly men have traces of it.

    1. The Basics

      1. The Basics

        Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, often causing no symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. Most men with the cancer die of other causes, and many never know they have it. But once prostate cancer begins to grow quickly or spreads, it is dangerous.

    2. What Causes Prostate Cancer?

      1. What Causes Prostate Cancer?

        Doctors cannot say with certainty what causes prostate cancer, but experts generally agree that diet contributes to the risk.

    3. Potential Risk Factors

      1. Potential Risk Factors

        Your age, race, and family history may contribute to your risk of developing prostate cancer.

    4. Myths About Prostate Cancer

      1. Myths About Prostate Cancer

        It’s not necessarily true that prostate cancer surgery will end your sex life, or that only elderly men get prostate cancer.

      2. Glossary of Terms

        Here are definitions of some medical terms you may hear during prostate cancer testing, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

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