Understanding prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers found in men. The cancer may grow slowly or aggressively — it varies from case to case. Prostate cancer begins in the prostate, which is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
1 in 8
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
6 in 10
About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40.
333,000+
An estimated 333,000+ new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026 alone.1
Signs and symptoms
Not all men experience the same signs or indicators that may lead a doctor to suspect prostate cancer. In its early stages, prostate cancer may not even cause noticeable symptoms.
As the disease progresses, some men may experience:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, pelvis, or back
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous prostate conditions, so it is important to speak with a doctor about any concerns or noticeable symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it's important to discuss treatment options with a doctor and work together to decide on a plan that fits your needs. Some factors that may be considered when determining a treatment plan include:
- Stage and grade of cancer
- Age
- Other serious health conditions
- Possible side effects from each treatment
Received a prostate cancer diagnosis?
Here’s what you can do next.
References
- Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed June 16, 2026.
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