Did you know that about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? In 2026 alone, that means an estimated 333,830 people will be diagnosed, and 36,320 will die from it.

And yet, a survey by the American Cancer Society found that nearly two-thirds of men ages 55 to 69 said they aren’t being screened for this kind of cancer. That, in turn, may be contributing to an increase in diagnoses at an advanced stage.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time for people to educate themselves about prostate health, learn their risk factors and talk to their doctor about any concerns. Because when prostate cancer is detected early, before it spreads, it’s often highly treatable.

To jump-start your learning, here are answers to nine common questions about prostate health:

What is the prostate?
The prostate is a relatively small, firm gland that surrounds part of the urethra. It’s a part of the male reproductive system, and its job is to add fluid to semen.

Does the prostate change with age?
Often, this gland will grow larger as an individual gets older. According to the National Cancer Institute, when a person is in their 20s, the prostate may be the size of a walnut, and by age 60, it’s often the size of a lemon. Age can increase a person’s risk for prostate-related health issues.

What are some common prostate problems?
A number of diseases can affect the prostate, and MedlinePlus lists the following:

  • Prostatitis. This inflammation in the prostate may result in swelling and pain. It’s the most common prostate problem in men younger than 50, and it could take a number of different forms, including chronic prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and asymptomatic prostatitis.
  • Enlarged prostate. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this is more common in older adults. When the prostate is enlarged, it can press on the urethra and potentially interfere with urinating.
  • Prostate cancer. This occurs when cancer cells grow in the prostate. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause any health problems; however, certain types can be serious.

Are some people more likely to get prostate cancer than others?
There are a number of factors that place a person at higher risk for this type of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those include:

  • Age: people 50 and older
  • Family history: people with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer, including a father, brother or son
  • Genes: people with inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome
  • Race and ethnicity: specifically, people of African-American heritage
  • Lifestyle: people with a history of smoking

Can a person be screened for prostate cancer?
There is no standard or routine screening test for prostate cancer that’s recommended for all men. You should talk to your doctor about the options available to you. Those may include:

  • A digital rectal exam, which allows a healthcare provider to feel for anything unusual, including an enlarged prostate.
  • A prostate-specific antigen test, which measures the amount of PSA in the blood. PSA may be found at higher levels in people with prostate cancer, although an elevated PSA could also indicate other prostate problems besides cancer.

When should I have a prostate exam?
Your primary care doctor may recommend a prostate exam during a regular check-up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, men with an average risk of prostate cancer should have their first exam done by age 50, while those who have a higher risk may want to have it done at age 45 or earlier. If the exam reveals anything abnormal, your provider may recommend additional testing or refer you to a urologist.

How is prostate cancer treated?
If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, the treatment plan you and your doctor choose will depend on a number of factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer; your age and expected life span; other health conditions you are living with; and your feelings about treatment approach and potential side effects.

According to the American Cancer Society, some of the treatment options for prostate cancer include:

  • Observation or active surveillance
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy 

Can I take steps to prevent prostate cancer?
There’s no proven strategy to prevent prostate cancer. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by making healthy everyday choices. According to the Mayo Clinic, those include:

  • Opt for foods that are low in fat
  • Load up on fruits and vegetables
  • Maintain a healthy weight for your body type
  • Strive for an active lifestyle, aiming to work out most days of the week
  • Quit smoking, or don’t start

How can I help raise awareness about prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a subject that many people don’t want to talk about. You can do your part by being open about your own experience, whether you’ve been diagnosed or you’ve undergone screening. When you talk about these personal topics with friends or share a message on social media, your words might reach someone at the moment they need to hear them.

And if you haven’t talked to your doctor about your own prostate health, make an appointment and get the conversation going today. After all, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, aside from skin cancer. And there are steps you can take that may protect your health.