Prostate Cancer

Sept. 17, 2026 | Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate. The prostate is a small gland that helps make the fluid part of semen. It’s found just below the bladder and is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Prostate cancer is usually found early, and it often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured. People diagnosed with early prostate cancer often have many treatment options to consider. It can feel overwhelming to learn about all the options and to have to make a choice. Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy or carefully watching the prostate cancer to see if it grows. If the cancer grows beyond the prostate or if it spreads, there are still many treatment options. Prostate cancer that spreads can be more difficult to cure but even when a cure isn’t possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer.

Sept. 17, 2026 | According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, over three hundred thousand new cases of prostate will be diagnosed this year. About one in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. But each man’s risk of prostate cancer can vary, based on his age, race or ethnicity and other factors. For example, prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men. About six in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 67. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.5 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

Sept. 17, 2026 | September is officially recognized as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the life-saving importance of early detection. Most prostate cancers are found at an early stage, which means that the cancer is only in the prostate. When they happen, early-stage prostate cancer symptoms can include blood in the urine, needing to urinate often and trouble getting started when trying to urinate. Prostate cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is called metastatic prostate cancer. Some of the signs of advanced prostate cancer are accidental leaking of urine, back pain, fatigue, and weakness in the arms and legs. Fortunately, most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer. For example, trouble urinating is much more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a non-cancerous growth of the prostate.

Sept. 17, 2026 | There are a number of ways to treat prostate cancer, ranging from surgery to radiation therapy and medicines. Dr. Tim Langford, chairman of the UAMS Department of Urology, says that medications for prostate cancer may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Sometimes other treatments are used to treat prostate cancer. These might include having ablation therapy with heat or cold to hurt the cancer cells and receiving medicine that gives radiation directly to the cancer cells. Dr. Langford adds that prostate cancer treatment isn’t always needed right away. Instead, the health care team may watch the cancer closely. Health care professionals call this active surveillance. It often involves regular follow-up blood tests, imaging tests and prostate biopsies. If tests show that the cancer is growing, you may choose to start treatment. For some prostate cancers, treatment may never be needed.

Sept. 17, 2026 | A person who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer may experience a wide range of feelings, from disbelief and fear to anger and sadness. With time, each person figures out a way to cope with a prostate cancer diagnosis. It’s important to learn as much as you need to know about your prostate cancer and its treatment to understand what to expect from treatment and life after treatment. Finding someone who is willing to listen to you talk about your hopes and fears can be helpful as you manage a cancer diagnosis. This could be a friend or family member. A counselor, medical social worker or clergy member also may offer helpful guidance and care. Other people with prostate cancer sometimes are best at knowing what you’re going through. They can provide a unique network of support. So, ask your health care team about support groups in your area or contact the American Cancer Society.