How to Pronounce Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is pronounced PROS-tayt KAN-ser. The first word rhymes with 'most' and sounds like 'PROS-tayt,' and the second word sounds like 'KAN-ser' (rhymes with 'answer'). Say the whole phrase by stressing the first syllable of each word: PROS-tayt KAN-ser.

You stress the first syllable: PROS-tayt. A common mistake is putting the stress on the second syllable (pro-STATE), but the correct way is to emphasize the beginning: PROS. Think of it like the word 'prospect'—the stress comes at the start.

The word 'prostate' has two syllables: PROS-tayt. The first syllable sounds like 'PROS' (rhyming with 'frost'), and the second sounds like 'tayt' (rhyming with 'fate').

The word 'prostate' comes from the Greek word 'prostates,' which means 'one who stands before.' This refers to the gland's position in the body—it stands before (in front of) another part. The Greek root reflects the anatomical location of this gland.

In plain English, prostate cancer means a disease where cells in the prostate gland become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. 'Prostate' is the name of a gland, and 'cancer' is the disease—so it's just cancer of that specific gland.

Yes, doctors sometimes use the abbreviation 'PC' for prostate cancer. However, in conversation, people usually just say 'prostate cancer' or refer to it as 'prostate' for short—for example, 'He was diagnosed with prostate.'

The word 'prostatitis' (inflammation of the prostate) and 'prostatectomy' (surgical removal of the prostate) both share the root 'prostate.' You'll also hear 'prostatic,' which is an adjective form meaning 'relating to the prostate'—as in 'prostatic health.'

These two words sound similar but are spelled differently and mean completely different things. 'Prostate' (PROS-tayt) is a gland in the body, while 'prostrate' (PROS-trayt) means to lie flat on the ground. It's an easy mistake to make, so remember: prostate = gland, prostrate = lying down.