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  1. Minority Health and Health Equity Resources

Prostate Cancer

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An Asian doctor and his patient, an older black man, discuss treatment in an exam room.

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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. All men are at risk of getting prostate cancer, especially as they get older. Black or African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer and are more likely to die from prostate cancer than men from other races and ethnicities.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the prostate, a small reproductive gland in men below the bladder and in front of the rectum. About 13 out of every 100 men in the United States will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, though many of these may be low-risk tumors that are unlikely to spread and do not require treatment.

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

While all men are at risk of getting prostate cancer, some men have an increased risk. Factors that may increase your risk of prostate cancer include:

  • Age: The older a man is, the greater the risk of getting prostate cancer. Age is the most common risk factor.
  • Family history: The risk of prostate cancer is higher if a close relative had prostate cancer or a known genetic risk factor.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

 If you have any of the following symptoms, speak with a health care professional:

  • Weak or interrupted (“stop-and-go”) flow of urine
  • Difficulty starting flow of urine
  • Frequent urination (especially at night)
  • Sudden urge to urinate
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Difficulty emptying bladder completely
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Chronic pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

What should I know about screening?

Men ages 55 to 69 years old should speak with a health care professional about their personal risk factors.

Prostate cancer is commonly detected via several methods:

  • A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein made by the prostate, which may be higher in the blood of men who have prostate cancer.
  • Digital rectal exam, where a healthcare professional examines the prostate by feeling for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Different treatments are available for patients with prostate cancer. Some common treatments include:

  • Surgery: A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the prostate.
  • Radiation therapy: Cancer cells are killed using high-energy rays.
  • Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy, especially with patients whose prostate cancer recurs.
  • FDA-approved drugs: There are many cancer drugs approved by the FDA to treat prostate cancer. Your health care provider will recommend treatment based on the cancer stage and your overall health.

 Prostate cancer and clinical trials

The FDA encourages diverse participation in clinical trials. If you think a prostate cancer clinical trial may be right for you, talk to your health care provider. You can also search for clinical trials in your area at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

For more information on health equity, visit www.fda.gov/HealthEquity.

Download Prostate Cancer Resource

 

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