Prostate Cancer

What is it?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate gland (which is present in people assigned male at birth unless surgically removed). Most prostate cancers are slow growing and diagnosed in those who are older than 65. When found early before the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, the five year survival rate is close to 100%.

Multi-ethnic group of middle aged men playing basketball.

Get screened

Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives, but it's important to understand the benefits and risks. Not all prostate cancers need treatment and there can be long-term side effects or complications. If you have a prostate gland, talk with your health care provider to make the best decision for you. 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.

Know your risk

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

Are age 50 or older.
Smoke.
Are Black.
Have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome.
Have a family history of prostate cancer.

Reduce your risk

You may reduce your risk for prostate cancer through these lifestyle-related risk modifications:

Talk with 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.

Know your 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 when you are 45. If more than one close relative had prostate cancer before age 65, start that talk when you turn 40.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Signs & symptoms

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. Some symptoms could also be caused by other health problems, including an enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Talk with your health care provider if you experience:

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.
Having to urinate more frequently, particularly at night.
Blood in the urine.
Painful or difficult erection.
Pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type and grade of tumor cells, stage of the cancer and your other medical conditions.

Active surveillance

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” (sometimes called “watchful waiting”) with regular follow-ups, usually every three to six months. This option should be open to reassessment, as your condition or concerns may change.

Surgery

Prostate cancer surgery typically includes removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) along with the seminal vesicles and sometimes the surrounding lymph nodes.

Radiation

This treatment uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with another therapy before or after surgery.

Hormone therapy

This treatment is used to block the hormones that cause cells, including cancer cells, to grow. It may be used alone or in combination with another therapy before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually used to treat more advanced prostate cancer and can be given along with hormone therapy or by itself.

Immunotherapy

This type of cancer treatment helps your immune system better respond to the cancer to detect and destroy abnormal cells. It is usually used to treat more advanced prostate cancer.

Focal therapy

This treatment uses methods like extreme cold or heat to destroy the abnormal cells when surgery or radiation is not possible.

What to know about prostate cancer after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s diagnosis

Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in those who are older than 65, and for prostate cancers that haven’t begun to spread, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%. Here’s what you need to know.

Learn More

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin participates in the US-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Plenary Session on Promoting Regional Security at the State Department in Washington, DC, on April 11, 2023. He is an older Black man wearing glasses and pictured from the waist up with his right arm extended as if he is emphasizing a point.