Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. While many people have heard of prostate cancer, there are still some things about the disease that may come as a surprise. Here are seven things to know about prostate cancer, from symptoms and screening to treatment options. 

1. Prostate cancer often has no symptoms 

Early-stage prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak or interrupted urine stream. These symptoms can also be caused by other prostate conditions, so having them does not necessarily mean you have cancer. 

2. A high PSA does not automatically mean cancer 

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. While prostate cancer can cause PSA levels to rise, other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or inflammation, can also increase PSA. That means an elevated PSA result does not automatically mean someone has prostate cancer. 

3. Screening is a personal decision 

There is no single screening approach that is right for every man. PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer, but it also has limitations, including false-positive results and the possibility of finding cancers that may never cause symptoms or become life-threatening. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and whether screening makes sense for you. 

4. Prostate cancer can grow slowly 

Prostate cancer does not always behave the same way. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause serious problems, while others can grow and spread more quickly. This is one reason doctors consider factors such as the cancer's grade, stage and other test results when recommending treatment. 

5. Treatment does not always mean immediate surgery 

For some men with prostate cancer, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Active surveillance allows doctors to closely monitor certain cancers and begin treatment if there are signs that the cancer is growing or changing. 

6. There are several treatment options 

When treatment is needed, there are multiple options. Depending on the cancer and the individual patient, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Treatment may also involve more than one approach. 

7. Prostate cancer treatment continues to evolve 

Researchers continue to study new ways to detect, monitor and treat prostate cancer. Advances in imaging, testing and new therapies are helping doctors learn more about the disease and determine which treatments may work best for individual patients. 

If you have questions about your prostate health or are concerned about your risk for prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about your options. To learn more about prostate cancer, visit our page.