Prostate cancer is not something to put off. It is one of the fastest-growing health threats to men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 305,790 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, and approximately 36,290 men will die from it. That makes it the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, right behind lung cancer.
What makes prostate cancer especially dangerous is that it often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many men do not know they have it until the disease has advanced, at which point treatment becomes much more difficult. Once prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate, survival rates drop significantly.
Early Detection Saves Lives
One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. But there is good news. If prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. If it spreads beyond the prostate, that number falls to just 32 percent.
The key to survival is early detection. The American Urological Association recommends that men begin discussing prostate screenings with their doctor at age 50. However, if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, you should start talking to your doctor at age 40 or 45. Studies show that Black men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer and are twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.
But here is the thing: do not wait for your doctor to bring it up. Many doctors focus on treating existing conditions rather than proactively discussing screenings. That means the responsibility falls on you to take control of your health. If you are 40 or older, or if prostate cancer runs in your family, ask your doctor about screening.
What to Expect During a Prostate Cancer Screening
Let’s be honest. A lot of men hesitate when they hear the words “prostate exam.” Some feel uncomfortable, some worry about the stigma, and some just plain do not want to go to the doctor. But avoiding this test does not make the risk go away.
A prostate screening usually involves two main tests.
The PSA Blood Test
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Higher-than-normal PSA levels can be an early sign of prostate cancer, but they can also indicate other conditions like an enlarged prostate or infection. If your PSA levels are elevated, your doctor may recommend further testing.
The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
This is the test that makes a lot of men uncomfortable. The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) involves a doctor inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for abnormalities in the prostate.
Here is what you need to know.
- The exam lasts less than 10 seconds.
- It is not painful. You might feel slight pressure, but that is it.
- It could save your life.
Some men avoid the DRE because they associate it with discomfort, fear, or even homophobic stigma. But this has nothing to do with masculinity. This is about survival. A 10-second exam could be the difference between catching cancer early and dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis later.
Studies show that when PSA testing is combined with a DRE, the accuracy of early prostate cancer detection increases significantly. Early detection means more treatment options, less invasive procedures, and a much higher chance of survival.
Take Control of Your Health – Do Not Wait
Men who get routine screenings and detect prostate cancer early have a nearly 100 percent survival rate. Men who ignore it, delay it, or let embarrassment get in the way often face much more aggressive treatments, lower survival rates, and a harder road ahead.
Being proactive about your health is not weakness – it is strength. Taking action now could mean living decades longer and spending more time with the people who matter most.
If you are 40 or older, or if prostate cancer runs in your family, schedule an appointment with your doctor today. Ask about your risk. Get tested. A simple blood test and a 10-second exam could save your life.
Your health matters. Your life matters. Do not wait. Take action now.