Still Thinking About Prostate Health? Good. You Should Be.

September may have been Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, but at Legacy, we’re not ready to move on just yet. The truth is, prostate health doesn’t follow a calendar, and awareness shouldn’t either.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, prostate cancer remains the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the United States (aside from skin cancer). The National Cancer Institute’s SEER Program estimates over 313,000 new cases in 2025 alone.

While these numbers might sound alarming, there’s good news: when detected early through screening, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of nearly 98%. That’s why we’re extending the conversation beyond September, because your health is worth more than just one month of attention.

Who’s at Risk?

Understanding your risk is the first step toward protection. According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER Program, prostate cancer is more common in older men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and men of African American descent. Almost 13% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetimes.

Black men face the highest risk. SEER statistics show they are approximately twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men. Researchers at the American Association for Cancer Research attribute this to a combination of genetic factors and socioeconomic issues, making early screening even more important for Black communities.

Family history matters significantly. The American Cancer Society reports that men with prostate cancer in their family are at higher risk, and those whose brothers had it are even more susceptible than those whose fathers had it.

The Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Prostate cancer in its early stages typically causes no symptoms at all, which is why regular screening is so important because you can’t rely on warning signs. When symptoms do appear, they usually indicate advanced disease and can include increased urination, a weaker urine stream, sexual dysfunction, and pain in the hips, back, or pelvis, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, most men with these urinary symptoms do not have prostate cancer. These symptoms are far more commonly caused by benign conditions like an enlarged prostate (BPH) or prostatitis. Regardless of the cause, if you have any ongoing urinary changes or pelvic pain, talk with your doctor to determine what’s happening and get the right treatment.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Prostate cancer screening is done through a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which is a simple blood draw that measures PSA levels in your blood. This straightforward test is the standard screening tool recommended by medical guidelines. Your doctor will discuss your results with you and determine if any follow-up is needed.

While you may have heard about digital rectal exams in connection with prostate health, these are not part of routine prostate cancer screening. A DRE might be performed if you have symptoms or if your PSA level is elevated, but the screening itself is just the blood test.

According to the American Urological Association, men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should begin discussing screening with their doctor around age 40. Other men can wait until age 50.

Take Control Through Prevention

While not all prostate cancer cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk through lifestyle choices. The Mayo Clinic and American Cancer Society recommend eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, aiming for at least 2.5 cups of produce daily. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and may reduce cancer risk. Limiting or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use benefits your whole body, including your prostate.

Book Your Screening Today

One of the most powerful lessons from prostate cancer survivors is simple: don’t wait. Many men who have been successfully treated were diagnosed during routine checkups, before any symptoms appeared. As Houston meteorologist Frank Billingsley, who was diagnosed after a routine screening, told KPRC Channel 2: “If you catch this disease early enough, it’s about a 100 percent cure rate.”

If you’re approaching the age when screening is recommended, or if you have risk factors that warrant earlier testing, schedule an appointment with your health care provider. At Legacy Community Health, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, accessible care for all men, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Visit legacycommunityhealth.org or call to make an appointment today.