By Daniel Holst, a urologist at Sheridan Memorial Hospital
For men, talking with their doctor about their personal risk for prostate cancer and whether screening is right for them can support early detection, when prostate cancer may be easier to treat and outcomes are often more favorable.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. About the size of a walnut, the prostate produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. About 1 in 8 men in the United States will be diagnosed during their lifetime, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men.
Because prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, understanding personal risk and talking with a healthcare provider about screening can be an important part of detecting the disease early and preventing more advanced symptoms. These can include an increased need to urinate or difficulty urinating; pain in the pelvis, lower back, hips or thighs; erectile dysfunction or blood in the urine or semen.
Recommendations surrounding prostate cancer screening have evolved over the past 10 – 15 years as researchers have continued to evaluate its potential benefits and risks. Ultimately, the decision to be screened is a personal one. During an annual exam, a primary care provider can help patients understand their personal risk for prostate cancer and discuss whether screening, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or digital rectal exam, may be appropriate.
For men at average risk of prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends these conversations begin at age 50. Men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should begin the discussion at age 45. Men at even higher risk, including those with more than one close family member who developed prostate cancer at an early age, should begin the conversation at age 40.
If screening results raise concerns about prostate cancer, a patient may be referred to a urologist for further evaluation and, if necessary, diagnosis. Fortunately, some prostate cancers are low-grade and may not require immediate treatment.
Prostate cancer care has evolved significantly, and the days of invasive surgery for everyone diagnosed with prostate cancer have passed. Today, care can be highly individualized based on factors such as the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, a patient’s overall health and their personal preferences. Depending on these factors, management may range from active surveillance to surgery, radiation therapy or other treatments.
For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the outlook is often favorable, particularly when the disease is detected early. The five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is more than 98%.
Whether you’re due for an annual exam or have questions about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis or treatment, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to start the conversation and take an important step toward protecting your health.
This article originally appeared in The Sheridan Press on Oct. 24, 2026.