Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, developing in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause serious harm, others can be more aggressive and spread beyond the prostate. This disease most often affects older men, particularly those over age 65, and is more common in African American men and in those with a family history of prostate or related cancers. Other risk factors include genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, diets high in red meat or high-fat dairy, and exposure to certain environmental chemicals.

Screening plays an important role in detecting prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. The two primary screening tools are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures the level of a protein produced by prostate cells, and the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate for abnormalities. While these tests cannot diagnose prostate cancer on their own, they can indicate whether further evaluation is needed. Because screening benefits and risks vary based on age, health, and personal risk factors, men are encouraged to discuss screening decisions with their healthcare provider.

If screening results are abnormal, diagnosis typically involves additional imaging studies—such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans—to evaluate the prostate more closely. A prostate biopsy, in which small tissue samples are taken and examined under a microscope, is required to confirm cancer. Once diagnosed, the cancer is graded and staged to determine how aggressive it is and whether it has spread. This information helps guide treatment decisions, which may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or other targeted approaches based on the patient’s individual needs.