The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut located under the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate makes the fluid that helps sperm survive. During sexual activity, sperm pass through the prostate gland, mix with a small amount of prostate fluid and pass out of the penis during ejaculation.

14,500 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually in New York State. 9,300 cases originate in Upstate New York and 1,400 cases are from the Western New York region, according to the New York State Cancer Registry.

According to the American Cancer Society’s 2009 Cancer Facts & Figures, more than 90% of all prostate cancers are discovered in the local and regional stages. Over the past 25 years, the 5-year survival rate for all stages combined has increased from 69% to almost 99%. This dramatic improvement is partly attributable to earlier diagnosis and improvements in treatment.