almost all prostate cancers are discovered in their early stages and the 5-year survival rate is almost 100% when the cancer is found at an early stage. 1 the 5-year survival rate is the percentage of men who are still alive 5 years after they have been diagnosed. it is just an average. everyone's case is different and this number may not show what will happen in your case. prostate cancer is so common that some experts believe that every man would get it if he lived long enough. studies of autopsies show that most men older than 85 who die of other causes have tumors in their prostates. 3 it usually is a very slow-growing cancer that takes years to grow large enough to cause any problems. sometimes though it grows quickly. when prostate cancer spreads it goes first to surrounding tissue then to lymph nodes in the pelvis and then on to the bones lungs or other organs. for more information see the topic prostate cancer advanced or metastatic. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what happens to someone when they get prostate cancer?