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Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but many people wonder: can women get prostate cancer? At first, it may sound like an odd question since the prostate is typically described as a male gland. However, the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. To understand this, we need to look at female anatomy and how it compares to male reproductive organs.
Do Women Have a Prostate?
Women do not have a prostate gland in the same way men do. Instead, women have small glands and ducts known as the Skene’s glands, sometimes referred to as the “female prostate.” These glands are located on the front wall of the vagina, near the urethra, and share some similarities with the male prostate.
Like the male prostate, Skene’s glands can produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)—two substances commonly measured in prostate cancer screening.
Can Women Develop Prostate Cancer?
While extremely rare, women can develop cancers in the Skene’s glands. This condition is sometimes called female prostate cancer. Reported cases are very limited, but medical literature confirms that the disease exists.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
- Blood in urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Because the condition is rare, it is often misdiagnosed or discovered late.
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Other Prostate-Like Conditions in Women
Even if cancer does not develop, women can experience other health issues involving Skene’s glands, including:
- Infections or abscesses: These can cause pain, swelling, and urinary symptoms.
- Cysts: Blocked Skene’s ducts may lead to cyst formation.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): While not directly related, some researchers have studied links between hormone imbalances and Skene’s gland changes.
Risk Factors for Female Prostate Cancer
Because this cancer is so rare, research is limited. However, possible risk factors may include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic mutations
- Chronic inflammation of Skene’s glands
- Family history of reproductive cancers
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors may use imaging scans, biopsies, and PSA testing to identify abnormalities in Skene’s glands. Treatments are similar to those for other cancers and may include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy, in some cases
The prognosis depends on how early the cancer is detected.
So, can women get prostate cancer? The answer is yes, but it is extremely rare. Women do not have a traditional prostate gland, but they do have Skene’s glands, sometimes called the female prostate. These glands can, in very rare cases, develop cancer.
Although unusual, it is important for women to be aware of unexplained urinary or pelvic symptoms and seek medical advice promptly. Early detection remains key to successful treatment—even for rare conditions like female prostate cancer.
