Advanced Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can also be described by stage. The stage is determined by a combination of rectal examination, symptoms and/or imaging (such as MRI and bone scan). Stage 1 describes early prostate cancer which can only be seen under a microscope. Stage 2 is early prostate cancer which can be felt on examination. Stage 3 refers to locally advanced prostate cancer which may cause urinary problems and stage 4 is late prostate cancer probably with metastases (spread to other areas of the body).
Unfortunately, it is only when it has advanced that most men will get symptoms which lead them to see a doctor. So about half of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer will already have it in an advanced or late stage. However, even when prostate cancer has reached this stage it may still be possible to slow down its growth.