Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Male Cancer
1.4 million new cases per year worldwide
Dr. Jean-Marc Roux
Urologist-oncologist
In simple terms
Prostate cancer often progresses slowly. Active surveillance, surgery, and new hormonal therapies offer excellent results.
A very common cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (1.4 million cases/year). The average age at diagnosis is 68. Risk factors: age, family history, Afro-Caribbean origin. Most prostate cancers progress slowly and do not threaten the patient's life.
Screening: the PSA debate
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is an imperfect marker: it can be elevated for benign reasons (hypertrophy, infection) and normal despite cancer. The decision to screen must be discussed individually with the doctor after information on the benefits and risks of overdiagnosis.
Active surveillance
For low-risk cancers, active surveillance (regular monitoring by PSA, MRI, and biopsies) avoids unnecessary treatments and their side effects. Treatment is only offered in case of progression. This strategy is suitable for 30-40% of newly diagnosed patients.
Treatments
Radical prostatectomy (surgery) and radiotherapy are the main curative options. Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation) is the cornerstone of treatment for advanced forms. New hormone therapies (enzalutamide, abiraterone) and PARP inhibitors (for BRCA mutations) improve survival.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Risk factor
- Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
- Screening
- A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Male Cancer?
- Prostate cancer often progresses slowly. Active surveillance, surgery, and new hormonal therapies offer excellent results.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Male Cancer?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Male Cancer?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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