Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect men in the US. It is estimated that over 330,000 men will be diagnosed with it in 2026. If found early, however, the chances of prostate cancer being cured are typically very good. This means knowing your risks, getting screened, and focusing on healthy habits could save your life.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland beneath the bladder that is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in this gland develop DNA changes that cause them to grow and multiply abnormally.

Prostate cancer often grows very slowly, and if it doesn't spread, it may not cause major problems. However, when it grows quickly or spreads to other parts of the body, it can become serious.

Who is at Risk?

Men over the age of 50 in general are at higher risk.
Black men in the U.S. have a greater risk than other races. They are often diagnosed younger, experience quicker growth rates, and are more likely to die from the disease.
Men who have a parent or sibling who had prostate cancer and/or inherited genetic changes like BRCA1/BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome.
Men who suffer from obesity have a higher risk of prostate cancer growing quickly, and men who smoke may have a higher risk of prostate cancer spreading.

What are the Symptoms?

Weak or hard-to-start urine stream, urinating often (especially at night), sudden urgency, pain or burning when urinating, and blood in urine or semen.
Persistent lower back, hip, or pelvic pain, and painful ejaculation.
Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, which is why screening matters even when you feel fine!

What Happens During Screening?

There are two tests that screen for prostate cancer: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

During a DRE, your medical provider will check the back part of the prostate gland through the rectum, looking for hard areas, lumps, strange shapes, or changes in size that might mean cancer or other prostate problems.
A PSA test will measure the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. The antigen is a protein made by normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland. The test checks for high PSA levels, which can be an early sign of prostate cancer, but it does not diagnose cancer by itself.

If those tests raise concern, further testing with a biopsy (small tissue sample) is the only way to diagnose cancer.

Can Prostate Cancer be Prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent it, but the following healthy habits may help:

Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking

Questions? Talk with your provider at your next appointment to learn about your risk for prostate cancer and when you should start getting screened.

– Written by Tara Conti, MSN, RN, FNP

Sources

American Cancer Society. "Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer."
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

Mayo Clinic. "Prostate Cancer." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

MedlinePlus. "Prostate Cancer."
https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancer.html

National Cancer Institute. "Prostate Cancer—Patient Version."
https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate

National Cancer Institute. "Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer." https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html