All you need to know about: prostate cancer

Former United States president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week, with his office announcing that it was an 'aggressive' form of the disease, as cancer cells had spread to the bone.

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His office however, also said that the cancer appeared to be hormone-sensitive which "allows for effective management" and that the president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians." Many political leaders, including current U.S. President Donal Trump sent Mr. Biden wishes for his recovery.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut but tends to grows with age. It is located just below the bladder, in front of the rectum. The main job of the prostate gland is to produce a fluid that becomes part of the semen. Prostate cancer is a common cancer: according to 'The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases', 2024, prostate cancer is the most common cancer by incidence in men in 112 countries (as of 2020), and accounts for one in every 14 cancers diagnosed globally, and 15% of all male cancers. Among men, the disease ranks second only to lung cancer in terms of cancer mortality. In the United States, it is second only to skin cancer among men, while in India, it is third-most common cancer among men as of 2022.

What are the risk factors of prostate cancer?