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Prostate Cancer Basics

Key points

  • The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system.
  • Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate grow out of control.
two men

What is the prostate?

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Diagram showing the location of the prostate
This diagram shows the location of the prostate, in front of the rectum and just below the bladder.

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). It produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

As a man ages, the prostate tends to increase in size. This can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it is not the same as prostate cancer. Men may also have other prostate changes that are not cancer.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control