What is Prostate Cancer?The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes, however, the process goes wrong and cells become abnormal, forming more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign, which means not cancerous, or malignant, which means cancerous.
Prostate cancer occurs when a tumor forms in the tissue of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is about the size of a large walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
Early prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms. To diagnose prostate cancer, you doctor may do a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate for lumps or anything unusual. You may also get a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These tests are also used in prostate cancer screening, which looks for cancer before you have symptoms. If your results are abnormal, you may need more tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy.
Treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Men with prostate cancer have many treatment options. The treatment that's best for one man may not be best for another. The options include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. You may have a combination of treatments.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is common among older men and is rare in men younger than 40.
Source: MedlinePlus - Prostate Cancer
Image source: Centers for Disease Control
Recently diagnosed or treated for prostate cancer? Join other prostate cancer survivors to discuss life with prostate cancer. Topics include treatment options, decision making, coping strategies, resources and more.
Date and Time
2nd Tuesday of each month, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
This program is offered free-of-charge and is facilitated by professional staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, support groups are currently meeting online via Zoom. For more information including how to register, see the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center calendar or email Rosario Campuzano-Cortez at rcampuza@ridleytreecc.org.
NCCN Patient Webinar: Advanced Prostate Cancer - 1:41:40 hours
Experts provide information and answer questions about advanced prostate cancer to help patients and caregivers compare, discuss, and select treatment options with their doctor.
Us TOO - Prostate Cancer Pathways - 4:20:20 hours
Recording of the Us TOO Prostate Cancer Pathways Chicago event which was held on November 9, 2019. This in depth exploration of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship features a panel of several experts. Click here to view on YouTube. Click "SHOW MORE" in the video description for links to specific portions of the presentation.
The Oncology Dietitian Nutritionists at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center provide evidence-based recommendations that are proven by scientific research and clinical experience. Education and support are provided to help prevent treatment delays and decrease side effects from treatment. Once treatment for cancer is complete, our nutrition experts can recommend personalized food choices that will support treatment outcomes, enhance the quality of life, and decrease the risk of disease recurrence. Monthly seminars provide an opportunity to discuss the most recent research related to cancer, foods and your lifestyle. Services are offered free-of-charge to individuals currently in treatment or within one year of their last treatment.
For more information, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or call (805) 879-5652.
The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center provides Patient Navigation services in order to assist patients on the journey to live with, through, and beyond cancer. Navigators serve as a liaison between individual patients and the various healthcare providers required for proper diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.
Navigators offer coordination of care throughout a cancer patient's experience, by:
Navigation is available per physician referral and is offered free-of-charge. For more information, contact the Patient Navigation department at (805) 879-0660 or navigator@ridleytreecc.org.
At the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s Resource Library, we aim to empower anyone touched by cancer with the knowledge they need to become well-informed partners in their healthcare. The Resource Library offers a comfortable place where patients and families can find current, comprehensive information about all aspects of cancer. Services include research assistance, a lending library and online information guides. The Resource Library is open to all and services are offered at no charge.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Resource Library is currently closed to visitors. Library materials and services are still available via mail, phone and email. For more information, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or contact the Resource Library at (805) 879-5648 or library@ridleytreecc.org.
Cancer can involve significant psychological, social, and economic challenges for patients and their families. How and if these challenges are addressed is an important aspect of a patient’s care plan. The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center employs clinical social workers who provide emotional and practical support for patients, their families, and their friends. Oncology Social Workers can provide advocacy and referrals as well as individual and family counseling services.
Services are available at no cost and are available to anyone in our community, regardless of where they are receiving medical care.
For more information, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or call (805) 879-5690.
A wide range of wellness activities, classes and programs are available to our patients and their caregivers. Programs include yoga, exercise programs, painting, flower arranging, meditation and more. Upcoming dates can be found on the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center online calendar.
Programs offered free-of-charge. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Wellness classes are currently being offered online via Zoom. For more information including who qualifies for Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Wellness Programs & Classes and class descriptions, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or call (805) 879-5678.
These are just a few highlights from the Resource Library collection. Please click here to search our online catalog. For more information about the Resource Library and how to borrow materials, visit our website.
The Prostate Cancer Owner's Manual by 
100 Questions and Answers about Prostate Cancer, 5th edition by 
Prostate Cancer: A New Approach to Treatment and Healing by 
Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer - 4th edition by 
Prostate Cancer 20/20 by 
Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment by 
Managing Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Better Living by 
NCCN Guidelines for Patients® Prostate Cancer - Early Stage by 
NCCN Guidelines for Patients® Prostate Cancer - Advanced Stage by 