Did You Know?
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older.
Most people diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.
Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends that people with a prostate have the opportunity to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening.
Prostate Cancer Resources
What is Prostate Cancer?
Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. When this growth starts in the prostate, it is called prostate cancer. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Signs and Symptoms
Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause any symptoms. While uncommon, some symptoms of early prostate cancer can include:
- Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urine stream and the need to urinate more often
- Blood in the urine or semen
Advanced prostate cancer can cause problems with urination and blood in the urine or semen, and other symptoms, including:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weight loss
- Feeling very tired
Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer, but it is still important to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these problems.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2025
Risk Factors
What is a risk factor? A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as cancer.
Anyone with a prostate is at risk for developing prostate cancer. There are factors that increase a person's risk, including:
- Older age - The chance of having prostate cancer increases quickly after age 50
- Race/ethnicity - Prostate cancer is more common in African Americans and in Caribbean people of African ancestry
- Family history - Some prostate cancers are associated with inherited or genetic factors
Screening Options
Prostate cancer screening is not recommended for everyone. If you and your healthcare provider decide that prostate cancer screening is right for you, testing options include:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland (both normal cells and cancer cells). The chance of having prostate cancer goes up as the PSA level goes up.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- For a digital rectal exam (DRE), your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer.
If screening tests results aren't normal, further testing is needed. This may include waiting and having a second PSA test, getting another type of test, or getting a prostate biopsy.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2025
For questions about the prostate cancer program, please contact the Community Outreach and Engagement Team at COE@med.uvm.edu