Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the clinical term for a cancerous tumor on the prostate gland. As prostate cancer grows, it may spread to the interior of the gland, to tissues near the prostate, to sac-like structures attached to the prostate (seminal vesicles), and to distant parts of the body (e.g., bones, liver, lungs). Prostate cancer confined to the gland often is treated successfully.

Anatomy
The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, below the bladder, above the urethral sphincter and the penis, and in front of the rectum in men. It is made up of glandular tissue and muscle fibers that surround a portion of the urethra. The gland is covered by a membrane (called the prostate capsule) that produces prostate-specific antigen.

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Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

Estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2008:

New cases: 68,810
Deaths: 14,100

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CANADIAN SITES – NATIONAL

Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Initiative
CPCN was a founding member of this organization, dedicated to facilitating innovative research in the areas of prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation for people affected by prostate cancer.

Canadian Prostate Health Council
This is an excellent source for online pamphlets on prostate cancer and prostate health.

ProCure
ProCure is dedicated to giving information on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and eventual cure of prostate cancer. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, it provides both French and English resources. Excellent web site.

Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
This organization, committed to finding a cure for prostate cancer, provides information in both English and French.

The Prostate Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto
This Centre provides excellent online information about the prostate and prostate cancer.

The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia
The website offers information on prostate cancer treatment and research.

The Prostate Centre, Victoria, British Columbia
The efforts of prostate cancer survivors did much to make this facility happen.

CANADIAN SITES—PROVINCIAL

British Columbia Foundation for Prostate Disease
This organization’s goal is to improve knowledge, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer.

Calgary Prostate Cancer Institute
The Institute provides current information about prostate disease, research findings and treatment options as well as diagnostic services, confidential counselling and support.

Early Prostate Diagnosis Ontario
EPCDO’s goals are to tell people about the value of early diagnosis of prostate cancer through the PSA blood test (combined with physical tests), and to convince OHIP to cover the cost of these tests when carried out in a doctor’s office or at a testing lab.

Vancouver Island Prostate Cancer Foundation
The site provides information for the recently diagnosed, including information about support and advocacy.

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The prostate is a gland about the size and shape of a walnut. The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum, just below the bladder and it surrounds the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.