Understanding Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Screening

Did you know that about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime?

Charles Bloom, DO, FACOEP
HAP Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, behind only lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The good news: most prostate cancers grow slowly, and many can be managed effectively when detected early. In some cases, immediate treatment isn’t even necessary. Knowing the risks, recognizing symptoms and understanding screening options can make all the difference.

At HAP, we are committed to providing you with trusted information to help you protect your health.

Recognizing the symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they may include:

• Difficulty starting urination or a weak, interrupted flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Trouble fully emptying the bladder
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis
• Painful ejaculation

These symptoms can also be linked to noncancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. Any ongoing urinary issues should be discussed with a health care provider.

Risk factors for prostate cancer

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, family history, racial background, and lifestyle. African American men and those with a family history of the disease are at higher risk. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and body weight, also play a role in the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Prevention strategies

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your overall risk. The National Cancer Institute recommends:

• Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes

While these habits may not eliminate risk, they support long-term health and may help prevent aggressive forms of the disease.

Diagnosing prostate cancer

A prostate cancer diagnosis typically begins with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal exam. If results are abnormal, a biopsy may be recommended. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the prostate to check for cancer cells. According to the CDC, imaging tools like MRI or transrectal ultrasound may be used to guide the procedure. The Gleason score, assigned during biopsy analysis, helps indicate how likely the cancer is to grow and spread.

Understanding staging

 If cancer is found, further testing determines whether it is localized or has spread beyond the prostate. Staging helps doctors decide on the most effective treatment. The National Cancer Institute explains that early-stage prostate cancer is often confined to the prostate, while advanced cases may spread to lymph nodes or bones.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, grade and growth rate. Common options include:

• Surgery to remove the prostate
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy to slow cancer growth
• Chemotherapy
• Active surveillance for low-risk, slow-growing cases

Each treatment carries potential side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Your care team will help you decide which approach fits your needs and preferences.

Advances in research

New developments in prostate cancer care continue to improve outcomes. Genetic testing can identify inherited risk factors. Advanced imaging helps pinpoint tumors more accurately. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer more personalized treatment options with fewer side effects, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Should you be screened?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 55 to 69 make individual decisions about prostate cancer screening after talking with their doctor. The decision should consider personal risk factors and health history. Routine PSA screening is not recommended for most men older than 70.

Take charge of your health

Being informed is the first step in protecting your health. Whether you're considering screening or looking for ways to reduce your risk, HAP is here to support you. Talk with your doctor or use our  Find a Doctor tool to learn more.