Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States, second only to skin cancer. Many people have heard about prostate cancer, but not everyone fully understands it. The good news is that with early detection and advancements in treatment, the outlook for those diagnosed with prostate cancer is better than ever. Continue reading to learn more about what prostate cancer is, who is at risk, what to look for, and the latest on screening and treatment options.

What Is the Prostate?

First, a quick anatomy lesson. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located in a man’s pelvis, just below the bladder. Its main job is to produce a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, which makes up a significant part of semen.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and many men will have the disease without ever experiencing symptoms or needing treatment. However, some prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among men.

Who Is at Risk?

While any man can get prostate cancer, certain factors increase your risk:

• Age: Men under 40 rarely develop it, and doctors diagnose most cases in men over 65.
• Race/Ethnicity: According to the Centers for Disease Control, African American men have a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer than men of other races. The reasons for this disparity are not fully understood, but it highlights the importance of early conversations about screening in this community.
• Family History: A family history of prostate cancer, for example, a close relative, such as your father or brother, more than doubles your risk.
• Genetics: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer and are also linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

Determining Your Risk Group

Doctors often use Prostate Cancer Risk Groups to understand the disease better and decide on treatment. These groups show how aggressive the cancer is and whether it’s still in the prostate or has started to spread. If you’re in the Low-Risk group, doctors usually detect the cancer early, giving you many effective treatment options. For those in the Intermediate- or High-Risk groups, the cancer has progressed, so treatment decisions can be more complex and may involve combining therapies to get the best results.

What Are the Symptoms?

Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. That’s why screening is so important. When symptoms appear, the tumor pressing on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) can cause them.

Possible symptoms to be aware of include:

• Difficulty urinating (a weak or interrupted flow)
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

Keep in mind that these symptoms don’t always point to cancer. Other common conditions — such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) — can cause them too, especially as men get older. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine the cause.

Screening and Early Detection

Screening for prostate cancer can help find the disease early, when it is most treatable. The two most common screening tests are:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by prostate cells. A higher than normal PSA level may indicate prostate cancer, but it can also be a sign of other prostate conditions.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this procedure, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any lumps or abnormal areas.

The decision to screen is a personal one that you should make in consultation with your doctor. Most major health organizations recommend that men have a conversation with their health care provider about the pros and cons of screening around age 50. For men with a higher risk, such as African American men or those with a family history, this conversation should happen earlier, at around age 45.

Treatment Options

If doctors diagnose prostate cancer, patients can choose from several treatment options. The best approach depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, your age, and your overall health. Here are some of the options:

• Active Surveillance: For slow-growing, low-risk cancers, your doctor may recommend “active surveillance,” which involves monitoring the cancer with regular PSA tests, DREs, and biopsies. Doctors only begin treatment if the cancer shows signs of progressing.
• Surgery: A radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the entire prostate gland.
• Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: This treatment aims to stop the body from producing testosterone, a male hormone that can fuel prostate cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy and Other Therapies: For more advanced cases, doctors may use treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Understanding Remission Versus Recurrence

Prostate cancer coming back after treatment is more common than many people realize. For some men, a recurrence or relapse can mean ongoing treatment for life. That’s why resources like The Prostate Cancer Free Study are so valuable. Updated in 2021, this study tracks treatment outcomes and helps men understand their chances of recurrence. You can take it to your doctor to start an informed conversation about your options. Along with the study, a new booklet — What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer — is also available to help you learn more. Both resources are free to view, print, or download right now.

Help Us Save Lives

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but one that is highly treatable, especially when caught early. Knowing your risk factors and having open conversations with your doctor about screening are the most powerful steps you can take.

Every day, the research the Prostate Cancer Free Foundation shares helps people make some of the most important decisions of their lives. Whether you’re a patient, a family member, a loved one supporting someone with prostate cancer, or a medical professional looking for the latest on treatment effectiveness, the Prostate Cancer Free Foundation offers insights you can trust.

Please help us continue our research with your donation. Together we can save lives!