If you were to fill a room with 100 men, odds are that 13 of them will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); two or three of them will die from it. Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men.

Early detection is key, says the Prostate Cancer Foundation: “the earlier the cancer is caught and treated, the more likely the patient will remain disease-free.” Diagnosis, however, can be challenging. While some people may experience symptoms with prostate cancer, others might not know anything is wrong until the later stages. Still, it’s important to educate yourself about prostate cancer, identify possible signs and symptoms and understand the risks. And, most importantly, talk to your doctor.

In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, here are some basic facts to kick off your prostate education.

  1. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland. It’s a part of the male reproductive system, and its job is to make seminal fluid that carries sperm. When cells grow out of control in the prostate, that can lead to prostate cancer.
  2. Some people face higher risks of developing prostate cancer than others. Black men, especially, are at risk: they’re more likely than others to develop prostate cancer at a younger age, and they’re twice as likely to die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. Older men should also be on alert: the odds of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increase after age 50, and about 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men 65 and up. Some studies also indicate that prostate cancer may carry a genetic risk, so it may be helpful to let your doctor know if a close relative has been diagnosed.
  3. There are symptoms to look for that could indicate prostate cancer. However, many of these symptoms could mimic (or indicate) other conditions; and many people with prostate cancer won’t experience any symptoms at all. According to the CDC, those symptoms include:
    • A difficult time starting urination
    • Weak or interrupted flow when urinating
    • Urinating often (especially at night)
    • Challenges with fully emptying the bladder
    • Burning and/or pain while urinating
    • Finding blood in the urine or in the semen
    • Experiencing pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away
    • Pain while ejaculating
  1. You may or may not choose to be screened for prostate cancer. While there is no standard test for prostate screening, some individuals may decide to get something called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening if their doctor recommends it. This test can measure certain levels of a specific protein in blood that could indicate the presence of cancer. However, many healthcare professionals have reservations about this test because of something called “overtreatment,” according to the National Cancer Institute, meaning a positive test could lead to a more aggressive treatment than is needed. Again, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of a PSA test, and whether it might be right for you.

If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, keep in mind that there are reasons to be hopeful. While prostate cancer is a concern to take very seriously, most cases (80%) are diagnosed before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. And when people are diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%.

Be sure and see your doctor for regular physicals and talk about any concerns. They can provide the best-personalized advice when it comes to all health conditions, including prostate cancer.