Does prostate cancer grow slowly?

Usually, yes. Prostate cancer typically grows very slowly.

This slow growth is important. Because prostate cancer often grows so slowly, finding and treating it before symptoms appear may not always improve a man's health or help him live longer. With many health problems, catching them early clearly helps. Prostate cancer can be different, so early treatment is not always a clear benefit.

Whether screening and treatment make sense depends on the person. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, and a test called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is one tool related to screening. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the possible benefits and downsides for your own situation.