Prostate Cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, and it affects nearly one in six in the United States. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland, that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra (ie, the tube that carries urine), which runs through the prostate. Found only in men, the prostate’s main function is to produce seminal fluid, which transports and nourishes sperm. The growth of the prostate gland begins before birth, continuing until a man reaches adulthood. Male hormones called androgens cause this growth, and if the body does not produce enough of them the prostate gland will not grow to its full size. In older men, however, the part of the prostate gland surrounding the urethra may keep growing, surpassing normal size. This can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH) which often results in problems passing urine. It must be treated, but it is not cancer. Prostate Cancer is often asymptomatic as well as slow growing. Autopsy studies have demonstrated that many older men who died from other causes also had Prostate Cancer that never exhibited symptoms or caused any problems. These studies also found that roughly 7 to 9 out of 10 men had prostate cancer by age 80, although neither the men nor their doctors were aware of it. Prostate Cancer rarely produces noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Some early signs and symptoms for the disease are urinary problems, including starting and stopping while urinating, a weaker stream of urine, and trouble urinating. Signs of more severe disease include blood in the urine or semen, discomfort in the pelvic area and swelling in the legs. When Prostate Cancer becomes advanced, it can spread to the bones and cause persistent bone pain, fractures and compression of the spine.