September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to get the latest information you need to know to make informed decisions about your prostate health.
In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer, and about 36,320 deaths from prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States, behind lung cancer. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life. Most prostate cancer is diagnosed in men older than 65, but it can occur at any age.
Due to the high prevalence of the disease, it is important to know the symptoms and risk factors associated with it, and the screening and treatment options available.
Recognize the symptoms
Prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms at first, and most prostate cancers are found at an early stage. When they do occur, early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can include blood in the urine and difficulty or sudden changes in urination.
With advanced disease, symptoms may also include dull pain in your lower back, hips, or upper thighs, persistent bone pain, sudden weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness in the arms or legs.
Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly, and close monitoring may be recommended. Other types are aggressive and require a more intense treatment approach. Addressing prostate health should always begin with a conversation between you and your healthcare provider.
Know your risk factors
All men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, that risk can vary based on age, race/ethnicity, and other factors.
- Age: As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up. It is most common after age 50.
- Ethnicity: African-American men have a higher rate of the disease. One in six African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Family History: Men who have a family history of prostate cancer face a higher risk of getting the disease. In addition, family members with breast or ovarian cancer also raise a man’s risk for prostate cancer.
- Weight: Studies have linked being overweight to a greater risk of advanced prostate cancer. Doctors advise keeping to a healthy weight to reduce risk.
Get screened
It is recommended to talk with your doctor about the process and risks of screening (testing) for prostate cancer. If your primary provider believes that you are at elevated risk or are showing symptoms of prostate cancer, they will start the process by ordering lab work. Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, both of which are critical on an annual basis:
- The digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.
- The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer, and that level may also be elevated in other conditions affecting the prostate. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. However, many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels as well. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others. Your healthcare provider is the best person to interpret your PSA test results, and only a biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer with certainty.
If the lab work comes back with PSA levels over four or revealing a rapid change, the patient will be referred to see a urologist. A urologist is specially trained to treat problems affecting the urinary tract and disorders of the male reproductive system. Our trained specialists at UHS Urology will continue testing before determining the next steps for treatment.
Treatment
If treatment is the next step, the Urology team will coordinate surgical intervention, radiation therapy or medical therapy with UHS Medical and Radiation Oncology, where our staff are trained in several different therapies and treatment options.
Today, several types of treatment are available for prostate cancer. You and your provider will decide which treatment is right for you. Some common treatments are:
- Active surveillance. Closely monitoring the prostate by performing DREs and PSA tests regularly and treating the cancer if it progresses or causes symptoms.
- Surgery. A prostatectomy is an operation where doctors remove the prostate and surrounding tissue.
- Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.
Other treatments, such as hormone therapy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy or biological therapy, can be used. - High-intensity focused ultrasound. This therapy directs high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) at the cancer to kill cancer cells.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to have a conversation with your provider to understand your risk and prevent future complications. Together, you can map out a plan to address prostate health that will meet your individual needs.
For more information about prostate cancer, click here.