Prostate Cancer, from the CureRays guide library.

Prostate cancer grows in the walnut-sized gland below the bladder; most cases grow slowly and are highly curable.

What it is.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder and makes part of the fluid in semen. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the gland start to grow out of control. Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause harm, while others are more aggressive. Because of this, treatment is matched carefully to how risky your specific cancer looks. When caught early, prostate cancer is one of the most curable cancers there is.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation uses focused, high-energy x-rays to damage the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer divide. Healthy cells repair this damage better than cancer cells, so carefully aimed, fractionated treatment clears the cancer while protecting the bladder and rectum nearby. Modern image guidance and techniques like a gel spacer between the prostate and rectum make treatment more precise and reduce side effects. Sessions are painless and take only minutes.

The ways we can treat it.

Stereotactic body radiation (SBRT). Delivers a precise, high dose in just 5 sessions over about two weeks. NCCN now recognizes SBRT as a standard option across all risk groups, with 5-year cancer-control rates above 90%.

Moderate hypofractionation. External-beam radiation over about 4-5 weeks (fewer, slightly larger doses than the old 8-9 week course) — now a standard schedule with equal control.

Brachytherapy. Radioactive seeds or temporary implants placed directly in the prostate, delivering dose from the inside while sparing nearby tissue. Can be used alone or as a boost.

Questions we hear often.

Do I have to treat it right away? Not always. Many low-risk prostate cancers are safely watched with active surveillance, and treated only if they show signs of growing. Your team will help you decide.

Will radiation make me incontinent or impotent? Modern, image-guided radiation is designed to protect the bladder, rectum, and nerves. Side effects vary, and many men keep normal urinary and sexual function — discuss your specific risks with your team.

How long is treatment? It ranges from just 5 sessions with SBRT to about 4-5 weeks with moderate hypofractionation, or a single brachytherapy procedure.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.