|  | Prostate cancer is a male-only cancer which we know the least about...and yet it's one of the most common forms of cancer. It's often called "The Silent Killer."
By the time they reach 80, around half of all men will have some cancer in their prostate.
 | | David Chatfield and his wife Rita. David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. |
Every year 21,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and although it is generally a disease more prevalent in older men, more 'young middle-aged' men are being diagnosed.
Doctors say more money is urgently needed to cut deaths from this disease. Currently in Plymouth and West Devon, specialists treat as many prostate cancer patients as breast cancer patients.
The appeal, backed by BBC Radio Devon, has already raised in excess of £1m to help pay for a state-of-the-art unit for the treatment of prostate cancer.
"This is a much needed facility that will help thousands of men all over Devon," said Jenny Ashdown, the founder of the Chestnut Appeal.
"We are tremendously grateful to BBC Radio Devon for all the support."
 | | A cancerous prostate gland. The thought of the operation may bring tears to your eyes but it saves lives |
The more that is known about prostate cancer, the more lives can be saved.
Around 10,000men in the UK will die of prostate cancer this year alone, and all because of a gland under the bladder that is the size of a chestnut - which is how the charity appeal got its name.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include a frequent need to pass water.
The message is simple, if you are over 50 and have any symptoms, see your doctor.
A small blood test will diagnose prostate cancer, and if caught early enough, it can be cured. However, unlike with breast cancer, there's no routine screening in the UK.
For too long, not enough has been done to detect prostate cancer or to improve the treatment of men diagnosed with it. Often, diagnosis is hit and miss - and if you don't visit your GP, the condition can be missed.
The cause of the condition is not known - but it can at times be genetic. All men are at risk - and cases are on the increase.
 | An artist's impression of the proposed new unit |
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