The prostate, found only in men, is a walnut-sized gland located in front of the rectum, at the outlet of the bladder. It contains gland cells that produce some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen. Just behind the prostate gland are the seminal vesicles that produce most of the fluid for semen. The prostate surrounds the first part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis. Male hormones stimulate the prostate gland to develop in the fetus. The prostate continues to grow as a man reaches adulthood. It will continue to grow or at least is maintained after it reaches normal size throughout the life of a man as long as male hormones are produced. If male hormones are removed, the prostate gland will not fully develop or will shrink.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 35,000 men die each year from cancer of the prostate gland. The good news is that nine out of 10 men who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer and receive proper treatment, go on to live healthy lives.

The Pearlman Cancer Center and SGMC's Community Health Promotion Department offers a free Prostate Screening each September in conjunction with Prostate Cancer Awareness month. For additional information contact the SGMC's Community Health Promotion Department at (229) 259-4141 ext. 1.