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Prostate Cancer

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in those who are older than 65.

This disease disproportionately affects Black people, who are more likely to have prostate cancer than white or Hispanic people.

For localized or regional prostate cancers, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%.

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Screening

If you have a prostate gland and you are at average risk, start talking to your health care provider at age 50 about the pros and cons, uncertainties and risks of prostate cancer screening. You may need to have that talk earlier if:  

  • You are Black or if you have a close relative (father or brother) who had prostate cancer before age 65. Start talking to your health care provider about prostate cancer when you are 45.
  • More than one close relative had prostate cancer before 65. Start that talk when you turn 40.

Early detection of prostate cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives; however, some people are treated for prostate cancers that will never cause them harm, and they must live with any side effects or complications of the treatment. 

What Puts Your at Increased Risk for Prostate Cancer? 

If you have a prostate gland, you are at increased risk for prostate cancer if you: 

  • Are age 50 or older.
  • Smoke.
  • Are Black. Black people are more likely to have prostate cancer than white or Hispanic people.
  • Have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome.
  • Have a family history of prostate cancer.

Reduce Your Risk

  • Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco in any way. If you do, quit. A study of people with prostate glands who stopped smoking before being diagnosed with prostate cancer shows that quitting smoking may slow the development of prostate cancer or lessen its severity.
  • Know your family history. If you are Black, or if you have a close relative (father, son or brother) who had prostate cancer before age 65, start talking to your health care provider about prostate cancer when you are 45. If more than one close relative had prostate cancer before 65, start that talk when you turn 40.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.

For localized or regional prostate cancers, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages. Some people experience symptoms that include:

  • Urinary problems, such as having trouble starting or stopping urine flow, having a weak or interrupted urine flow, or feeling pain or a burning sensation while urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Painful or difficult erection
  • Pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

Symptoms like these may also be caused by other health problems, including an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Treatment Options

Current treatment options vary, depending on the stage of the cancer and your other medical conditions. 

Treatments include surgery, radiation or hormone therapy. Sometimes treatments are combined.

Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and do not require immediate treatment. In these cases, you and your health care provider may decide on “active surveillance” with regular follow-ups, usually every three to six months. This option should be open to reassessment, as your condition or concerns may change.

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