9/5/2025
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Posted by Dr. Alan J. Wieder, Internal Medicine
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but it is often successfully treated when found early.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. Each year in New York State, about 15,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 1,700 men die from the disease. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, especially after age 65. African American men and men whose close relatives had prostate cancer are at an increased risk There are no known risk factors for prostate cancer that are under our control. We can’t control our age, race, or family history.
Most prostate cancers grow slowly. Symptoms are infrequent but may include:
- trouble passing urine
- frequent urination
- blood in the urine
- pain or burning with urination
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer may include bone pain. These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than cancer.
If caught early, the survival rate from prostate cancer is high. Common treatments for early prostate cancer include watchful waiting (close monitoring of the cancer to see if it grows or causes symptoms before starting treatment), surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
There are two common screening tests for prostate cancer: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
DRE involves your primary care provider (PCP) placing a finger into your rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate. While useful, this test may miss many early prostate cancers.
PSA is a chemical produced by the prostate and measured through a blood test. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also result from non-cancerous conditions. PSA levels may be normal even if cancer is present, and high levels can sometimes lead to anxiety and unnecessary follow-up tests or treatments.
Even when prostate cancer is detected early, it may be slow-growing and never cause harm. However, screening can help identify cancers that may require treatment, and discussing the risks and benefits with your PCP is an important step. We recommend talking with your PCP about whether prostate cancer screening is right for you. If you have any symptoms or concerns, be sure to bring them up during your visit.