Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families For Individuals & Families Shop for Plans Member Guide Member Guide Find a Doctor Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna

Prostate Cancer

Condition Basics

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate glandprostate gland. (The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a small organ below the bladder that makes fluid for semen.)

Most cases of prostate cancer occur after age 65. It usually grows slowly and can take years to grow large enough to cause any problems.

In some cases, the cancer grows more quickly. It may spread within the prostate, to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues, and to other parts of the body. But usually prostate cancer is found early, before the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

What causes it?

Experts don't know exactly what causes prostate cancer. But they do know that changes in the body's DNADNA are involved. These include DNA changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older.

What are the symptoms?

Prostate cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. When there are symptoms, they are most often problems with urinating. You may also have deep and frequent pain in your lower back, belly, hip, or pelvis.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor may check for prostate cancer with a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testprostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. And you will probably have a digital rectal exam. If your PSA level is high, you'll likely have more tests to find the cause. A prostate biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Treatment for prostate cancer is based on the stagestage of the cancer, your Gleason scoreGleason score, and other things, such as your age and overall health. The main options are active surveillanceactive surveillance, radiation therapyradiation therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate. Active surveillance may be recommended for slow-growing cancer that's confined to the prostate.

Health Tools Cause What Increases Your Risk Lowering Your Risk Symptoms What Happens When to Call a Doctor Exams and Tests Treatment Overview Supportive Care Self-Care Complementary Treatments Getting Support References

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Page Footer

I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details Details