Table of Contents
Introduction
Roughly 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it one of the most common cancers among American men. Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s why awareness, education, and regular screening are so important, especially as men age.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, observed every September, gives us an opportunity to start the conversation around men’s health, encourage early detection, and discuss different treatment options. In this article, we’ll explore what prostate cancer is, why it matters, the signs to look out for, when to get screened, treatment pathways, and how Unio Specialty Care can support your health with expert, compassionate care every step of the way.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder in men. The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Like many cancers, prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate start to grow uncontrollably.
Most prostate cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas, which develop from the glandular cells of the prostate. Some types grow very slowly and may not cause significant harm, while others are more aggressive and can spread quickly to nearby tissues or distant organs if not detected early.
Why Is Prostate Cancer An Important Health Concern For Men?
What makes prostate cancer particularly concerning is that it often develops silently, showing no symptoms in its early stages. This allows the disease to grow unnoticed until it becomes more advanced and harder to treat.
Age is one of the strongest risk factors, as men over 50 are at significantly higher risk, and the likelihood continues to rise with age. Genetics also play a key role. Men with a close family history of prostate cancer are two to three times more likely to develop it themselves. Racial disparities add to the urgency of awareness; African American men face a higher incidence and mortality rate from prostate cancer than any other racial group in the U.S. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to the development or progression of the disease.
Because early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, many men may not know they have it until it reaches an advanced stage. That’s why raising awareness and promoting regular screening are essential. Early detection can dramatically improve survival rates and give men access to more treatment options with fewer side effects.
What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer?
In many cases, prostate cancer does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, some men may experience:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
According to the CDC, these symptoms may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Who Should Get Screened For Prostate Cancer And When?
The decision to get screened should be based on age, risk factors, and discussions with a healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor at age 50. However, those at higher risk, including Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should consider starting the conversation earlier, around age 40 to 45.
What Screening Tests Are Available For Prostate Cancer?
The most common test for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although they can also result from other prostate conditions such as inflammation or BPH.
A digital rectal exam (DRE) may also be performed, where a physician checks for abnormalities in the prostate gland by feeling it through the rectum. If the PSA or DRE results raise concern, additional tests such as a prostate biopsy or MRI scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Although no screening test is perfect, regular screening helps many men detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage, improving the chances of successful treatment and long-term health outcomes.
What Treatment Options Are Available If Prostate Cancer Is Detected?
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, how aggressive it is, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Unio Specialty Care offers a full spectrum of advanced treatments tailored to individual needs:
- Active surveillance: Recommended for patients with low-risk or slow-growing prostate cancer, this approach involves regular PSA tests, imaging, and biopsies to monitor any changes before initiating treatment.
- Radiation therapy: Unio provides advanced radiation techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). These methods allow for highly precise radiation delivery, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing treatment effectiveness.
- CyberKnife radiosurgery: A non-invasive option for certain prostate cancers, CyberKnife delivers high-dose radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy, often completed in just five sessions. This approach is particularly useful for patients who want to avoid surgery.
- Surgery (Radical prostatectomy): Surgical removal of the prostate is often considered for early-stage cancer in otherwise healthy patients. Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery may be available for improved precision and recovery.
- Hormone therapy (Androgen deprivation therapy): Used to reduce levels of testosterone that fuel cancer growth, hormone therapy is often combined with radiation for more aggressive cancers or used as a standalone treatment in advanced cases.
- HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound): HIFU uses ultrasound energy, or sound waves, to heat and precisely destroy specifically targeted areas of the prostate. During HIFU, the sound waves pass through healthy tissues without causing damage.
Each treatment comes with its own benefits and considerations, and Unio’s specialists work closely with patients to help determine the most appropriate care plan.
Why Is Early Detection So Important?
Catching prostate cancer early dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. When diagnosed at a localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is nearly 100%. Early detection not only opens the door to more treatment options but also allows for less aggressive therapies with fewer side effects. By identifying the disease in its earliest stages, patients are more likely to preserve their urinary and sexual function, avoid major surgeries, and maintain a higher quality of life.
How Can Unio Specialty Care Help You Treat Prostate Cancer?
At Unio Specialty Care, our team of specialists offers the latest technologies, including IGRT, IMRT, and CyberKnife radiosurgery, all designed to target cancer with precision while minimizing side effects. For patients who may benefit from surgical or hormone-based treatments, we collaborate closely with urologists and oncology experts to ensure a seamless, multidisciplinary approach.
What sets Unio apart is our commitment to tailored care. We understand that every patient’s diagnosis is different, which is why we take time to evaluate each case carefully and guide you through your options. Whether you’re considering non-invasive therapies or managing an advanced case, Unio is here to support you at every step.
Call us today or book an appointment online to take charge of your prostate health with confidence.
- By: Unio Specialty Care, Published: 9/30/25
- Medically Reviewed By: Richard David, MD – 9/29/25