3 myths about prostate cancer
What misconceptions do you have about prostate cancer? Let’s put your knowledge to the test by debunking three common myths.
MYTH #1: Prostate cancer is a death sentence
According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2025 Early Detection Survey, 39% of respondents said they believe a cancer diagnosis is usually a death sentence.
However, most prostate cancers are slow growing. When found early before the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%!
In fact, some prostate cancer diagnoses don’t require immediate treatment. In these cases, you and your health care provider may decide on “active surveillance” with regular follow-ups.
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In other cases, you may need immediate treatment. Treatment depends on the type and grade of tumor cells, the stage of the cancer and your other medical conditions.
MYTH #2: There’s a one-size-fits-all screening recommendation for prostate cancer
Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, but there are benefits and risks to screening. Not all prostate cancers require treatment, and treatment can also have risks and side effects. Because of this, the recommendation is to talk with your health care provider about the pros and cons of screening to decide what’s best for you. And even then, the age you start the conversation depends on a few factors.
Start the conversation at:
Age 40+ if you have a strong family history. If more than one close relative (parent, child or sibling) had prostate cancer before age 65, start talking to your health care provider about prostate cancer screening when you are 40.
Age 45+ if you are Black OR have a family history. If you are Black or if you have a close relative (parent, child or sibling) who had prostate cancer before age 65, start talking to your health care provider about prostate cancer screening when you are 45.
Age 50+ if you’re at average risk. If you are at average risk of prostate cancer, discuss the pros and cons of screening with your health care provider beginning at age 50.
MYTH #3: I don’t have a family history of prostate cancer, so I don’t need to worry about it
While a family history of prostate cancer is one risk factor, there are others to be aware of. Even without a family history of prostate cancer, if you have family members with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations or Lynch syndrome, this increases your risk, too. It’s important to know your complete family health history to get a full picture of your risk. You can also consider genetic testing to better understand your risk.
If you’re Black, you also have an increased risk of prostate cancer. The incidence of prostate cancer is more than 70% higher in Black men than in white men for reasons that remain unclear. This is why it is recommended Black men discuss screening options with a health care provider at an earlier age than people of other races.
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Prostate cancer can happen with no family history at all, so everyone—even those at average risk—needs to discuss screening options with a provider.
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It’s clear that there are lots of myths and misconceptions, so it’s important to discuss any questions and specific recommendations with your health care provider. With prostate cancer, everyone is different, but informed shared decision making between you and your doctor can help you take charge of your health.