Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer among American men. In 2003, an estimated 220,900 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed and nearly 29,000 lives lost to the disease.

Prostate cancer results from the abnormal growth of tissue in the prostate, a small organ located around the urethra. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, although researchers do know that hormone-dependent prostate cancer depends on the hormone testosterone to grow. Symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage, making screening essential for early detection and treatment.

Prostate cancer grows at a different rate in each individual. If cases of aggressive prostate cancer are left untreated, the cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options range from close monitoring for patients with early, slowly progressing disease, to hormone suppression, surgery, and radiation for advanced disease.

Since its inception, TAP has been deeply committed to helping develop treatments and provide resources for patients with prostate cancer.