What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder that makes fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer happens when normal prostate cells become altered and start growing and dividing out of control.

Who can get prostate cancer?

Anyone with a prostate can get prostate cancer. Roughly 1 in 8 people with a prostate will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But some people are more at risk than others. Age, race/ethnicity, a family history of certain cancers, and other factors may increase someone’s prostate cancer risk. 

What causes prostate cancer? What are possible risk factors for prostate cancer?

There is no single cause of prostate cancer. But certain factors may affect or increase your chances of getting prostate cancer. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• Age: Prostate cancer risk increases with age. The AUA/SUO Guideline for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer (2023) recommends starting screening around age 45-50 for most people, or 40-45 for people at high risk.  

• Family history: Having a family history of prostate, ovarian, breast, colon, or pancreatic cancer can increase your risk for prostate cancer.

• Race: Black people have a higher risk of prostate cancer.

• Working with chemicals: Groups like factory workers, farmers, firefighters, and veterans may be more at risk due to long-term exposure to certain chemicals, including, but not limited to, Agent Orange, pesticides, chromium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). 

• Lifestyle: Excessive alcohol use, smoking, a diet of highly processed foods, and lack of physical activity have been associated with higher prostate cancer risk.

What are possible symptoms of prostate cancer?  

Prostate cancer doesn’t always show signs or symptoms. When prostate cancer does show symptoms, it’s usually because tumor cells are pressing up against other parts of the body. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Strong urge to urinate immediately

• Frequent nighttime urination

• Abnormal or painful peeing 

• Difficulty getting and/or keeping erections

• Pain when ejaculating

• Blood in your urine and/or semen

• Pain in your back, pelvis, and/or hips

• Sudden, unexpected weight loss 

How do you check for prostate cancer?

You and your doctor will decide together on the best plan for you. You check for prostate cancer by getting screened at a doctor’s office, testing lab, or screening site. Prostate cancer screenings are available through primary care doctors, urologists (doctors who specialize in the urinary and reproductive systems), local hospitals, community health centers, mobile clinics, and more. One of the first screening tests is usually a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test but can vary based on a person’s preference or doctor’s recommendation. Depending on the results of your screening, you may need additional testing to confirm or rule out a prostate cancer diagnosis.  

Who should get screened for prostate cancer and when?

Everyone who is at risk for prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about getting screened. According to the AUA/SUO Guideline for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer (2023), most people should start screening for prostate cancer at ages 45-50. If you’re at high risk, you may need to start screening as early as 40-45. Based on your results, you and your doctor will decide together how frequently you should get tested.

What should you do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer?

Whether it’s you or a loved one who’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the news can be a lot to take in. If your doctor has confirmed a diagnosis, it’s time to start talking to them about next steps. Our Partners and Additional Resources offer a range of tools and information to help those affected by prostate cancer.

What is shared decision-making (SDM)?

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a communication strategy where the doctor and patient make decisions as a team, allowing both the doctor’s medical expertise and the patient’s personal values and experiences to inform a patient’s treatment plan. SDM can lead to higher patient satisfaction and is growing more popular in the medical field. You can check out our Conversation Guides for more tips on how to talk to a doctor about prostate cancer screenings. 

What is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test?

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that can be used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein made by the prostate. When someone has prostate cancer, their PSA level may rise. Note: both healthy and cancerous prostate cells make PSA, so an elevated or “high” PSA doesn’t always mean prostate cancer. A PSA test is usually the first test in prostate cancer screening.

How do you get a PSA test? What are the steps?

The first step is having a conversation with your doctor. If they think it's time for you to get a PSA test, they'll order a blood test or add a PSA test to your routine blood work. Anywhere you can get blood work done, you can probably get a PSA test. Doctors recommend avoiding ejaculation or intense exercise 24-48 hours before the test, as these activities can temporarily raise your PSA levels and may lead to false-positive results. Depending on your health care provider, most PSA test results are ready within a week.

What’s important to know about PSA test results?

An elevated or “high” PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but not always. Age, physical activity, urinary infections, an enlarged prostate, and medications can also raise someone’s PSA level, in addition to other factors. On the flip side, “normal” PSA levels don’t always mean someone is cancer-free. A doctor may recommend additional screening tests before taking next steps. Still, the PSA test is the most common initial lab for screening prostate cancer. That’s why most doctors recommend a PSA test as the first step in getting screened.

What is a “normal” PSA level? What is a “high” PSA level?

Different PSA levels may be normal depending on your age and other factors. Please discuss your results with your doctor. There’s no one number that means prostate cancer, and a high PSA level doesn't always mean cancer. Age, physical activity, certain medications, and non-cancer health conditions are some of the factors that can impact someone’s healthy PSA range.  

Is a PSA test the only test I need for prostate cancer screening? What about a rectal exam (the one with the finger)?

A PSA test alone cannot confirm or rule out a prostate cancer diagnosis. If your test results show a high PSA, your doctor may recommend additional tests, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), before taking additional steps. A DRE involves the doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger about 2 inches into the rectum to feel the prostate for size, lumps, hardness, or other irregularities that could suggest prostate cancer. Sometimes imaging may also be used in your evaluation. 

What does “Relax, it’s a blood test” represent?

Relax, it’s a blood test is a campaign to encourage people with a prostate to understand their prostate cancer risk and, if right for them, get a PSA blood test. Many people avoid prostate cancer screenings because they mistakenly believe it always involves a digital rectal exam (DRE), also known as “the finger test.” In reality, the PSA test, a straightforward blood draw, can be the first step. This campaign was designed to ease anxiety around prostate cancer screenings and turn avoidance into proactivity, both by normalizing the PSA test in conversation and emphasizing the power of early cancer detection. Learn more about Relax, it’s a blood test here.

Why is Novartis partnering with the NFL?

Sports have a universal appeal that transcends boundaries, and the NFL has a passionate community. The League and its players have also demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting health and wellness initiatives. Our partnership aims to empower football fans to make proactive health decisions, better understand screening guidelines, and build a playbook for a healthier future. Plus, the Super Bowl has one of the largest audiences of any event. This level of awareness can reduce the burden of late-stage diagnosis and treatment for many people, ultimately saving lives and long-term costs.

What else is Novartis doing to promote early cancer detection?

Novartis is collaborating with advocacy groups including the American Cancer Society (ACS), Male Care, National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions (NASPCC), Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), and ZERO Prostate Cancer, along with patient advocate and veteran-focused groups, to amplify awareness, support, and early detection initiatives. We’re also working closely with doctors and societies such as the American Urological Association (AUA) to help ensure best practices are shared.  

In the realm of access and equity, Novartis is providing tools to help people connect with doctors, understand insurance coverage, and navigate next steps. We’re prioritizing historically underserved communities, including Black people and veterans, to ensure they have the information and resources they need. You can learn more about these initiatives here.

Our efforts don’t stop at prostate cancer screening. See our campaign about early detection in breast cancer.

What are some ways to get involved in prostate cancer awareness?

The prostate cancer community is home to hundreds of organizations, clubs, and initiatives working to spread awareness and promote early detection. Check out Our Partners to learn more.