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Normally, our cells undergo a predictable cycle of growth and renewal. As old cells die off, new cells form to replace them. This cell cycle is controlled by material contained within each cell called DNA.
Genes are regions within our DNA that control cell reproduction. When genes become damaged, cells may begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrolled manner. We describe these cells as malignant or cancerous.
Metastasis occurs, when cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. Prostate cancer may spread via the blood supply or the lymphatic system - an important part of the body's defense mechanism. The cancer cells travel to distant sites such as bone, liver or lung.
While the cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified, in association with the development of prostate cancer. These include age, race, family history and diet.
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