SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER The word "prostate" comes from Medieval Latin prostate and Medieval French prostate. The ancient Greek word prostates means " one standing in front ", from proistanai meaning " set before ". The prostate is so called because of its position - it is at the base of the bladder. ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system . It lies just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) . The prostate gland makes fluid that is part of the semen. Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer ...