Metastatic prostate cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer is when prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body, away from the prostate gland. It is also known as advanced or secondary prostate cancer.
It is not possible to cure advanced prostate cancer but there are treatments that can control your prostate cancer for months or years.
What is metastatic prostate cancer?
Metastatic prostate cancer is when prostate cancer cells have spread outside the prostate to other parts of your body. It is also known as advanced or secondary prostate cancer.
Your cancer may be advanced when it is first diagnosed, or it may have come back or spread some time after your first diagnosis.
Why did the cancer spread?
Sometimes cancer treatment does not remove all the cancer cells. These cells may be tiny and can’t be picked up on scans. With time these cancer cells will grow and spread.
For some men their prostate cancer didn't give any problems or symptoms until it had grown enough to spread outside of the prostate before they get their first diagnosis.
Where in the body does prostate cancer spread?
Metastatic prostate cancer can affect one or more parts of your body. The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is your bones. Prostate cancer may also spread to other parts of the body such as your lymph nodes, lungs, liver or brain.
The metastatic cancer is made up of prostate cancer cells, even if it is found in other parts of your body. It will be treated with prostate cancer treatments.
Note:
We use the term ‘man / men’ in our prostate cancer information but we understand that not everyone who has a prostate gland identifies as a man.
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we are here for you. For confidential advice, information and support, contact our Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.
More information about metastatic prostate cancer
Looking for support?
Our cancer support section contains information and advice on coping with cancer for diagnosed patients and their loved ones.
For more information
Phone
1800 200 700
