Caption

Stage IV prostate cancer. Illustration of part of the male reproductive system in vertical section from the side, showing stage IV prostate cancer. In the early stages, the cancer is restricted to the prostate. Stage IV is where the cancer has spread to other organs (such as the bladder and, as shown here, the rectum). Prostate cancer is most prevalent in men over 50 years of age. Treatment is with hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical removal of the prostate. If the cancer can be treated early, the prognosis is better than if it has started to spread. For a series of images showing the stages of prostate cancer, see C038/6170 to C038/6174.