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--- Document: Prostate Cancer Fact Sheet for Patients & Caregivers Document ---
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men (other than skin cancer) and the second-
leading cause of cancer death in men (after lung cancer) in the US.
Risk Factors
• Age: Men of any age can get prostate cancer, but the risk
of having it is higher after age 50.
• Race/ethnicity: African American men and Caribbean men
of African ancestry are more likely to get prostate cancer
than men of other races.
• Family history: Having a father or brother who has had
prostate cancer increases the risk of getting this disease.
Risk is higher if your brother had prostate cancer than if
your father had it. Having more than one close relative with
prostate cancer raises the risk even more, especially if the
relatives were young when the cancer was found.
• Inheriting gene changes: Certain gene changes (such as
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) or having Lynch syndrome can
increase a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer. But there
are some things you can do that might help lower the risk.
Regular physical activity, getting to and staying at a healthy
weight, and following a healthy eating pattern that includes
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might help lower your
risk of prostate cancer. Also, limit or avoid red and processed
meats and highly processed foods.
Screening and Early Detection
Screening is a process used to look for cancer in people
who have no symptoms. The American Cancer Society
recommends that men talk to their health care provider
about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The
decision should be made after getting information about the
risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening.
The discussion about screening should take place at:
• Age 50 for men who are at average risk and are expected
to live at least 10 more years
• Age 45 for men at high risk, including African American
men and Caribbean men of African ancestry, or any man
with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed
with prostate cancer before the age of 65
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk, including those with
more than one first-degree relative who had prostate
cancer at an early age
Men who decide to get screened should be tested with the
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Some doctors
might also do a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Signs and Symptoms
Early-stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. More
advanced prostate cancer (cancer that may have spread
outside the prostate) may cause symptoms, such as:
• Problems urinating, such as pain or burning during urination
or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Trouble getting an erection
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or not being able
to control the bladder or bowel, caused by cancer pressing
on the spinal cord
• Pain in the hips, spine, ribs, or other areas, caused by
cancer that has spread to the bones
cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345
Prostate Cancer
Fact Sheet
for Patients and Caregivers
Treatment
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the type and stage
(how big the cancer is and if it has spread) and the results
of any testing done on the tumor. Your age, other health
problems, and personal choices are also considered. If you
have prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about the best
treatment for you.
Living With Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects a man’s quality of life. Different
physical, social, mental health, spiritual, and money issues
can come up at any time.
Men with prostate cancer may be helped by palliative care
at any time. Palliative care focuses on helping manage
symptoms, addressing issues, and improving quality of life.
Good communication between a person with cancer and
their health care team is important and involves:
• Asking and answering questions
• Working together to set care goals
• Making shared decisions
• Managing side effects and other issues
• Scheduling follow-up tests and care
To learn more about prostate cancer, visit the American Cancer Society
website at cancer.org/prostatecancer or call us at 1-800-227-2345. We’re
here when you need us.
©2026, American Cancer Society, Inc.
No.080767 Rev. 1/26
Models used for illustrative purposes only.