On the final day of Prostate Cancer Awareness month, Public Health Matters would like to share some information on this disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the U.S. and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men based upon information from the American Cancer Society (ACS). The latest data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program for 2026, indicates that there will be an estimated 330,830 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed this year in the U.S. Additionally, they estimate that 36,320 men will lose their lives to this disease this year in this country.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland found in males that produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. According to the ACS, almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that begin in gland cells.
Who is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
It is important that all men consider their risk for prostate cancer but there are some men who are at increased risk for the disease. There are important factors to consider when determining who may face increased risk. A significant factor to consider is older age, with increased risk over 50. The ACS reports that 6 out of 10 men over 65 are found to have prostate cancer. Race/ethnicity has proven to be a significant factor of increased risk for prostate cancer. “The incidence (number of new cases) of prostate cancer is nearly 70% higher in Black men than in White men.”1 Other factors to consider include family history, inherited gene changes. The ACS also points out that there are additional factors that require additional study and research but may also increase the risk of prostate cancer. They are diet, obesity, smoking, chemical exposures, prostatitis, STIs, and vasectomy.3
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
There are not always signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, especially in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms associated with prostate cancer include urinary frequency, weak or slow urine stream, urinary hesitancy, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation, and pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not ease or go away.4,5 It is important to point out that many of these symptoms are also seen in benign prostate conditions, so it is important to reach out and discuss any symptom with your doctor. The Mayo Clinic advises that signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:5
- Accidental urine leakage
- Back pain
- Bone pain
- Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying
- Arm/leg weakness
Is Prostate Cancer Preventable?
As it stands today, there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. However, engaging in healthy behaviors and building healthy habits (e.g., healthy diet, daily exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and quitting smoking) can help to lower the risk of developing the disease.
Prostate cancer screening can also help. It is recognized that this type of screening is not the “one size fits all” variety.3 “The American Cancer Society recommends men at average risk for prostate cancer speak with their doctor at age 50 about whether screening is right for them. Men at high risk should have this discussion at age 45, including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. Men at even higher risk should have the discussion at age 40, including those with multiple close relatives diagnosed at an early age.”3 This allows doctors to educate men about screenings and encourages the patient’s personal choice.
Prostate cancer screening options consist of a digital rectal exam and a blood test that screens for prostate specific-antigens, called the PSA according to the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR).6 These screenings have helped to detect prostate cancer early and are part of why the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 98.2% when it is caught early.6
Is Prostate Cancer Treatable?
Prostate cancer is treatable and very effective when the cancer is detected in its early stages. Treatment for prostate cancer is performed by several medical professionals, specifically, urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.3 Additional health care professionals (e.g., nurses, physician’ s assistant, nutritionists, nurse practitioner, etc.)3 can also be a part of the care team that is instrumental to effective treatment. Treatments are not universal, meaning one type for all patients, they are highly dependent on the patient’s individual needs. There are a variety of options that range from observation, what doctors refer to as active surveillance, surgery, and therapies (e.g., radiation, cryotherapy, hormone, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted).3
What’s next?
If you would like more information on prostate cancer, the ACS provides a wealth of information at cancer.org. They also provide a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345 where you can find low-cost or free screening locations and support during treatment.3 For your convenience some additional resources are linked below.
Know the signs. Talk with your doctor. Share this information with all of the men in your life.
Resources
References
- Cancer Facts and Figures 2026. American Cancer Society. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf
- Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer. National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html
- Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html
- Prostate Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated September 1, 2026. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/symptoms/index.html
- Prostate Cancer. Mayo Clinic. Updated February 1, 2026. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
- September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. American Association for Cancer Research. Accessed on September 30, 2026. https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/prostate-cancer-awareness-month/
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