Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a group of cancerous cells (a malignant tumor) that begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It is the second most common type of cancer in men in the United States. Skin cancer is the most common. Of all the men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, more than one-fourth have prostate cancer.

The promise of prostate cancer research

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies) in which people take part voluntarily. These include studies of ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer; studies of the psychological effects of the disease; and studies of ways to improve comfort and quality of life. Research already has led to advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

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People who take part in clinical trials have the first chance to benefit from new approaches. They also make important contributions to medical science. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect people who take part.

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A man who is interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with his doctor. He may want to read Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know and Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies. These NCI booklets describe how research studies are carried out and explain their possible benefits and risks. NCI's Web site at http://cancer.gov provides general information about clinical trials. It also offers detailed information about specific ongoing studies of prostate cancer by linking to PDQ®, a cancer information database developed by the NCI.

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