Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Screening, and Treatments

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States after lung cancer. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control.

Stats:

• In 2024, an estimated 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US.
• About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
• Prostate cancer occurs most often in older men. The average age at diagnosis is about 66 years old.
• African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.

Signs and Symptoms

Prostate cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, it may cause:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction

Screening and Diagnosis

The most common test for prostate cancer is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. A PSA test measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation.

If your PSA test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Treatment

The treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland is the most common treatment for prostate cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone in the body, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.

5-year survival rates for prostate cancer, by stage:

• Localized: 99%
• Regional: 83%
• Distant: 31%

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding tobacco smoke

Get Involved

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to get involved in the fight against prostate cancer. You can donate to a prostate cancer organization, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.

Here are some ways to get involved:

• Join or start a support group.
• Volunteer at a local prostate cancer organization.
• Donate to a prostate cancer research or advocacy organization.
• Spread the word about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.