Is it possible for women to develop prostate cancer?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Can women get prostate cancer? Technically, women do not have a prostate gland, but they do have Skene's glands—often called the "female prostate"—located near the urethra. In rare cases, cancer can develop in these glands, resulting in a condition similar to prostate cancer in men. Symptoms may include urinary changes, pelvic pain, or unusual bleeding.

Because these symptoms overlap with many other common conditions, it can be difficult to know what's actually causing them. Getting clarity early matters—especially with rare cancers, where timely evaluation can meaningfully impact outcomes. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if women can get prostate cancer Discover likely causes of related symptoms See if your symptoms need care Find OTC relief for urinary symptoms Find a doctor for prostate concerns Understand home remedies for urinary discomfort Find out if it could be cancer

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Explanation

Women can develop a form of prostate cancer, although it is rare. This can occur because some women have a small gland known as Skene's gland, which is similar to the prostate gland found in men.

Female Prostate Cancer: According to research, this gland can develop cancer, similar to the prostate cancer seen in men.
Transgender Women: Transgender women, especially those who have undergone hormone therapy, might also be at risk for prostate cancer. This is because they typically retain their prostate gland even after gender-affirming surgeries.
Differences in Prostate Tissues: There are differences between the prostates in men and the Skene's gland in women, but both can potentially develop cancerous changes.

Understanding these differences and risks can help in early detection and management of prostate-related health issues in women. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or concerns, take our free AI symptom checker and discuss the results with your healthcare provider.

(References)

Thum S, Haben B, Christ G, & Sen Gupta R. (2017). Female prostate cancer?. Der Pathologe, 28730423.
Bertoncelli Tanaka M, Sahota K, Burn J, Falconer A, Winkler M, Ahmed HU, et al. (2022). Prostate cancer in transgender women: what does a .... BJU international, 34157213.
Sanches BDA, Carvalho HF, Maldarine JS, Biancardi MF, Santos FCA, Vilamaior PSL, & Taboga SR. (2020). Differences between male and female prostates in terms .... Cell biology international, 31393043.

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