Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Needs to Know
June 16, 2025 | Tags:
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men after skin cancer. Recent data predicts one in eight men will be diagnosed during their lifetime, with chances increasing as they age.
Given how widespread prostate cancer is, it’s crucial to take charge of your health through awareness, discussion and screenings – it could make a difference.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in or on the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. It’s located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The prostate surrounds the urethra, a tube that goes through the center and carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis. Most prostate cancer diagnoses are adenocarcinoma, a cancer that develops in glands that secrete fluid, like the prostate, and are rarely formed from other types of cells.
Destigmatizing prostate cancer
Despite being so common, there’s still a stigma surrounding prostate cancer. Discussing certain parts of the body can be uncomfortable for some people, similar to what we see with colorectal cancer. Because prostate cancer includes the male reproductive system, it can evoke feelings of shame or embarrassment, or cultural and social notions of masculinity.
Some people might prefer to keep discussions of cancer private. Others may use coping mechanisms like avoidance, denial or deflect with humor. However, open communication is key to overcoming stigma. Talking openly and honestly can lead to earlier detection, more effective treatments and a stronger support system.
Catching symptoms of prostate cancer
Regular screenings often detect prostate cancer early before it begins causing health issues. Still, it’s important to know the signs since prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Symptoms of early-stage prostate cancer – when it's only located in the prostate – include:
- Blood in urine or semen.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Problems urinating, such as a slow, weak or interrupted urinary stream or increased frequency, especially during the night.
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer – when it spreads to other areas of the body – include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Pain in the back, hips or chest
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness or numbness in legs or feet
- Painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (ED)
Knowing your risk factors
All men face the risk of developing prostate cancer. Age is the most significant risk factor, with the likelihood sharply increasing after age 50. However, other factors can affect your risk:
- Family history: Men with family members who’ve previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer are two to three times more likely to develop it themselves.
- Genetics: Certain gene mutations inherited from a parent can raise your risk of prostate cancer, such as variants of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene or Lynch syndrome.
- Race and ethnicity: African American men have a greater risk of developing prostate cancers that are more likely to spread before age 50.
There are some risk factors with less clear effects on your chances of getting prostate cancer, like:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Nutrition
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
Screenings can help detect prostate cancer and save lives
Most men will start screenings for prostate cancer at age 55 until age 70, which is the age range recommended for those at average risk. Men at higher risk may need to start screenings earlier.
Two common screening tests for prostate cancer include:
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures PSA levels in the blood, which are made by the prostate. Elevated results may indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by other conditions that affect the prostate, like infection, certain medications or prostate enlargement. Your doctor may recommend a biopsy if your PSA levels are abnormal.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): A quick procedure where a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for bumps or hard areas that might indicate cancer is present. While it may feel uncomfortable, the exam isn’t painful.
Completing a screening may catch the early stages of cancer, when it is less likely to have spread and easier to treat than if no screening was done. Discuss the potential uncertainties, risks and benefits of screening with your primary care provider (PCP) so you can make an informed decision and determine if it’s appropriate in your case.
What is the Gleason score?
The Gleason score is a grading system for prostate cancer where doctors look at tissue samples under a microscope and classify the number of abnormal cancer cells. They assign a grade using numbers one through five that determines the cancer's potential to be aggressive. Grade one means cancerous cells look like normal prostate tissue, and grade five means cancerous cells look very abnormal. Healthcare providers then break Gleason scores into three groups:
- Gleason 6: Low-grade cancer that grows slower and is less likely to spread.
- Gleason 7: Intermediate grade cancer that grows and spreads at a moderate pace.
- Gleason 8, 9 or 10: High-grade cancer that grows and spreads rapidly.
The more information doctors receive from systems like the Gleason score, the better they can develop a treatment plan or set up a prognosis.
Talk to your provider about prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is often most treatable when caught early. Don’t be afraid to discuss it with your loved ones or your healthcare provider. Normalizing talks about prostate cancer can help save lives.
If you’re 55 or older, talk to your PCP about getting screened or if you’re experiencing symptoms.
If you don't have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card.