Prostate Cancer, Advanced or Metastatic

Prostate cancer is a common cancer affecting older men. About 16 out of 100 men in the United States will get prostate cancer, but only 3 will die because of it. That means about 97 out of 100 men will die of something other than prostate cancer.^{Reference 1}

It usually is a very slow-growing cancer that takes years to grow large enough to cause any symptoms. In some men, it never does cause problems. Sometimes, though, it grows quickly and may cause complications or death.

When prostate cancer grows large enough, it begins to fill the prostate and often can be felt by your doctor during a Reference digital rectal exam Opens New Window. As it continues to grow, it breaks through the outer rim of the prostate and into nearby tissues, such as the Reference seminal vesicles Opens New Window. At this point, the disease is called locally advanced prostate cancer.

Locally advanced prostate cancer is usually not curable. But there are treatments that can help you live longer and feel better. Most men live up to 5 years after this diagnosis, but some men may live longer.^{Reference 2}

After the cancer has broken through the prostate, it may move into nearby lymph nodes. From the lymph node system, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body. Most often, prostate cancer spreads to the bones. It also may spread to the lungs or other organs. When it has spread to the Reference lymph nodes Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, the disease is called metastatic prostate cancer.

Metastatic prostate cancer is not curable. But a number of treatments are available to help you live longer and make you feel better. Most men live 1 to 3 years after this diagnosis, but some men may live many years longer.^{Reference 2}

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.