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CancerICD-10: C61About 288,000 new cases per year in the US; 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime

Prostate Cancer

Also known as: Prostatic Carcinoma, Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancer) and develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid. Many prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not cause significant harm, while others are aggressive and can spread rapidly. Screening with PSA testing and treatment decisions are highly individualized based on cancer grade, stage, age, and overall health.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic in early stages
Difficulty urinating or weak urinary stream
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Pelvic, hip, or back pain (may indicate advanced disease)
Unexplained weight loss

Causes

  • Acquired genetic mutations in prostate cells (most cases)
  • Inherited gene mutations (BRCA2, HOXB13, Lynch syndrome genes)
  • Hormonal factors — testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) fuel prostate cancer growth

Risk Factors

  • Age over 50 (risk increases significantly with age)
  • African American men (highest incidence and mortality rates)
  • Family history of prostate cancer (father or brother doubles risk)
  • BRCA2 gene mutation carriers
  • Obesity (associated with more aggressive disease)
  • Diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy

Diagnosis

  • PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test
  • Digital rectal examination (DRE)
  • Multiparametric MRI of the prostate
  • Transrectal ultrasound-guided or MRI-targeted prostate biopsy
  • Gleason score / Grade Group for grading aggressiveness

Treatment

  • Active surveillance for low-risk, slow-growing cancers
  • Radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate)
  • Radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy)
  • Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for advanced disease
  • Chemotherapy (docetaxel) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
  • Targeted therapy (PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated cancers)

Prevention

  • No proven prevention, but these may reduce risk:
  • Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Regular physical exercise
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Discussing PSA screening benefits and risks with your doctor starting at age 50 (age 40–45 for high-risk men)

When to See a Doctor

  • Difficulty urinating, weak stream, or blood in urine
  • Pelvic, hip, or lower back pain that is new and persistent
  • Family history of prostate cancer — discuss screening timing
  • Elevated PSA level found on blood test

Frequently Asked Questions

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.