Understanding Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Should Know
Share
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. While hearing the word "cancer" can be frightening, the good news is that when caught early, prostate cancer often has excellent outcomes. Here’s what you need to know, in plain and simple terms.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that helps produce semen. Prostate cancer happens when cells in this gland grow out of control. Most prostate cancers are a type called adenocarcinoma, and they usually grow slowly.
Who Is at Risk?
Some men are more likely to get prostate cancer than others. The main risk factors are:
- Age: The risk goes up as men get older, especially after 50.
- Family history: If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your chances are higher.
- Race: Black men are more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer than White men.
- Genes: Some inherited genes, especially ones related to DNA repair like BRCA2, increase risk.
Should You Get Screened?
Screening usually involves a blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. High PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other things like an enlarged prostate or infection.
Screening is not one-size-fits-all. Experts recommend talking to your doctor about the pros and cons. Generally:
- Men aged 55–69 should consider screening after a discussion with their doctor.
- Screening before 55 or after 70 is less common unless you are at higher risk.
Tip: If you’re Black or have a strong family history of prostate cancer, ask your doctor if you should start PSA testing earlier, around 40–45 years old.
What Happens If Cancer Is Found?
When prostate cancer is diagnosed, doctors use tests to figure out how serious it is. They look at:
- The Gleason score, which tells how aggressive the cancer looks under a microscope.
- PSA levels in the blood.
- Whether the cancer is confined to the prostate or has spread.
Many prostate cancers are low risk and may not need immediate treatment. In fact, about one-third of men with early-stage prostate cancer can safely choose "active surveillance"—meaning regular checkups and tests without starting treatment right away.
Treatment Options
If treatment is needed, the main choices are:
- Surgery: Removing the prostate (called a radical prostatectomy).
- Radiation therapy: Using beams of energy to kill cancer cells.
- Medication: Hormone therapy to block testosterone, which fuels cancer growth.
For cancer that has spread outside the prostate (metastatic prostate cancer), treatment often involves hormone therapy combined with newer drugs like abiraterone or enzalutamide, which can help men live longer.
Chemotherapy might be used too, especially if the disease is more aggressive.
Important: Every treatment has side effects. These can include sexual dysfunction, urinary problems, and fatigue. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor.
Living With Prostate Cancer
Thanks to advances in research, most men with prostate cancer—especially those diagnosed early—live long and healthy lives. Regular follow-up is essential, including PSA blood tests to catch any signs of cancer returning.
If prostate cancer becomes resistant to hormone treatment, there are still options like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or special radiation treatments aimed at cancer that has spread to the bones.
Final Thoughts
Prostate cancer is very common, but it doesn't have to be deadly. Knowledge, early detection, and smart treatment decisions make a big difference. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors, whether screening makes sense for you, and what steps you can take to stay healthy.