The prostate is a small, walnut-size gland under the bladder. It produces a thick, white fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.
Prostate cancer is most common in men who are over the age of 50, have a history of prostate cancer in their family, have certain genes, or are from a Black African or African Caribbean background. Anyone with a prostate can get it.
How serious prostate cancer is depends on how fast it's growing, or if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer can be successfully treated if it's diagnosed at an early stage. But it does not always need treatment.
Prostate cancer does not usually have any signs or symptoms at first. Later signs may include back, hip or pelvis pain, or difficulty maintaining an erection. You may also have problems peeing, but this could be a sign of other prostate problems.
Page last reviewed: 31 July 2025
Next review due: 31 July 2028
