Men’s Health Month: What Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer

The statistics are alarming. In Prince George’s County, men are dying from prostate cancer at rates higher than both the state and national averages. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The disease is an even greater concern because prostate cancer develops more often, presents at a younger age and in more aggressive forms in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry.

While prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, it is also curable when detected early and highly treatable even when diagnosed in advanced stages. As we observe Men’s Health Month, it’s important for men and their families to understand the causes, symptoms, screening recommendations, and treatment options associated with prostate cancer. 

Facts and symptoms of prostate cancer

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that helps in facilitating reproduction by protecting and nourishing semen. As men age, the prostate naturally enlarges, which is one reason the risk of developing prostate cancer increases after age 50. While a family history of prostate cancer can increase risk, many men diagnosed with the disease have no known family history.

Some possible signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• A weak or interrupted urinary stream
• Unexplained persistent bone pain

Screening recommendations

Because prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, regular screening is important. Many health experts recommend that men begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor starting at age 45, particularly African American men and those with a family history of the disease.

Screening options include a blood test known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam, which allows a doctor to check the prostate for abnormalities. If either test reveals concerns, additional testing, such as imaging or a prostate biopsy, may be recommended. 

Treatment options

If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, now more than ever, there are multiple treatment approaches available for prostate cancer. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, a patient’s overall health, and how aggressive the cancer appears to be.

Treatment options may include:

• Active surveillance – Closely monitoring slow-growing cancers through regular PSA tests, imaging, and follow-up exams
• Surgery – Removing the prostate gland through a procedure called a prostatectomy
• Radiation therapy – Using targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells
• Hormone therapy – Lowering testosterone levels to help slow the growth of cancer
• Chemotherapy – Using medications to kill cancer cells, often for advanced prostate cancer
• Targeted therapy – Newer treatments that target specific receptors or molecules in the cancer cells  

Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer go on to live long, healthy lives, especially when the disease is detected and treated early.

Healthy Habits Matter

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce risk, such as these recommendations:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables  
• Exercising regularly  
• Maintaining a healthy weight  
• Avoiding smoking  
• Keeping up with routine medical checkups

Next steps

If you have questions about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment, talk with your primary care provider. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with prostate cancer, Luminis Health is here to help. We can work with you to create a custom treatment plan based on your needs and health history. Learn more about prostate cancer.