Prostate cancer affects about 1 in 8 men over their lifetime and is strongly connected to aging. Most cases occur after age 65, meaning that for seniors, understanding this condition is a routine part of staying healthy.
Facing prostate cancer can be overwhelming, but it may help to know that the average rate of survival for five years or more after diagnosis is 98.2%. With early detection and the right care team, it's a manageable condition.
Here's what to know about prostate cancer symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments so you can navigate your health with confidence.
- What Is Prostate Cancer & How Does It Progress?
- What Causes Prostate Cancer & Can It Be Prevented?
- What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
- How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
- What Are Prostate Cancer Treatment Options?
- Tips for Living Well with Prostate Cancer
- Prostate Cancer FAQs
What Is Prostate Cancer & How Does It Progress?
Prostate cancer occurs when gland cells within the prostate grow out of control and turn into abnormal cancer cells. As they accumulate, the cancer cells form masses, called tumors.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer, making up more than 95% of cases. Other rare types of prostate cancer include:
- Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
- Neuroendocrine tumors, including large cell carcinoma
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma
Indolent vs. Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancers are categorized as slow-growing (indolent). Some prostate cancers can, however, grow quickly and aggressively.
A biopsy can help determine if prostate cancer is indolent or aggressive. For this, very small tissue samples are taken and viewed with a microscope. A pathologist looks for cancerous cells and gives them a Gleason score based on how they compare to normal cells.
Different areas of the prostate may produce various scores, so doctors will often combine the top two for a Gleason sum. Lower sums generally suggest the cancer is indolent and unlikely to spread, while higher sums often indicate a fast-growing, aggressive cancer. Modern assessments sort these sums into "grade groups" from 1 to 5 for even greater precision.
Prostate Cancer Stages
Prostate cancer is also given a stage, which assesses how far cancer cells have spread within and outside of the prostate gland. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer is.
- Stage 1: The cancer is confined to the prostate, often just on one side, and usually cannot be felt during a physical exam.
- Stage 2: The cancer has not spread outside the prostate, but the tumor is larger or tumors appear on both sides of the gland.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread outside the prostate's outer wall to nearby tissue or nearby lymph nodes but is still local.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to nearby organs or has metastasized widely to distant organs or distant lymph nodes.
What Causes Prostate Cancer & Can It Be Prevented?
Several factors can contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Some influences are acquired over time, but genetics also play a role. While prostate cancer can’t be prevented completely, you can be aware of risk factors and take steps to detect and treat it early. These are some of the key traits to watch out for:
Aging & Cell Damage
Most people are born with genes that work to protect against cancer, such as tumor suppressors. But with age, your genes can become altered or damaged. This makes them less able to stop malignant cellular changes, which is why the risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older.
Acquired mutations from damaged genes and cells can also be caused by long-term toxin or chemical exposure. At-risk populations include factory workers, firefighters, and military personnel.
Genetics
Family history, genetics, and inherited mutations factor into prostate cancer risk for some men.
- Black, African-American, and Caribbean men of African descent have a higher risk than other ethnic groups of having prostate cancer.
- Men who have relatives with prostate cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing it. Those with a first-degree relative, such as a father or brother, have a risk that’s two to three times higher than the average risk.
- The BRCA2 gene, which is more prominently associated with an increased breast cancer risk, also increases the risk for prostate cancer in men who inherit it.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
The link between dietary choices and prostate cancer risk is not fully understood or conclusively proven. But some studies indicate that eating less animal protein, processed meat, and high-fat dairy, and instead opting for a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Having obesity has not been linked to an increased risk of getting prostate cancer. However, some studies do link obesity to worse outcomes, including aggressive, fast-growing prostate cancer, late-stage prostate cancer, and death. You may be able to reduce these risks by eating healthy foods and having an active lifestyle.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer does not typically present with signs or symptoms early on. When prostate cancer is caught in early stages, it's usually due to screening or being noted incidentally during testing or procedures for another medical condition.
Early-stage prostate tumors generally can't be felt by hand. If you're over 50, you or your loved one should be on the lookout for prostate cancer's warning signs.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Blood in semen
- Blood in urine
- Having to urinate more often, especially at night
- Difficulty initiating a urine stream
Advanced prostate cancer can bring on additional symptoms, such as:
- Accidental urinary leakage
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the back or bones
- Feeling of weakness in the extremities
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
If you are a family caregiver, it can be difficult to notice many of these signs. If you notice changes in frequency of bathroom trips or a change in posture due to pain or weakness, it may be worth talking to your loved one's primary care provider.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Prostate cancer diagnoses often start with screenings. Tests are often recommended for men aged 50 or older who are at average risk and for men in their 40s who are at high risk. The most common screening test used is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
PSA is a protein made within the prostate. High levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer or other issues, such as an enlarged prostate, prostate inflammation (prostatitis), or infection. Aging can elevate PSA levels, so "normal" PSA thresholds typically increase with each decade of life.
If PSA levels are elevated, additional testing will likely be recommended to determine why. Based on your medical history and risk factors, your doctor will advise which diagnostic tests for prostate cancer are best for you, including:
- Digital rectal exam
- Prostate ultrasound
- Prostate MRI
- Biopsy
If there is concern about metastasis (meaning the cancer cells may be spreading), additional testing may be recommended, including bone, CT, MRI, or PET scans.
While undergoing testing when you don't have symptoms can be stressful and overwhelming, an early diagnosis can help determine not just if a tumor is present but whether it's slow-growing or aggressive.
What Are Prostate Cancer Treatment Options?
Your prostate cancer treatment plan will be determined by multiple factors, including your age, underlying health conditions, the stage and aggressiveness of cancer, and your preferences. These are some common prostate cancer treatments:
Active Surveillance (Observation)
Older men diagnosed with slow-growing cancers may benefit from "watchful waiting" rather than immediate, aggressive treatment. Active surveillance usually involves checking in with your health care provider for PSA testing every six months, along with occasional digital rectal exams or imaging tests.
Prostate Cancer Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for men with localized prostate cancer that has not spread. The most common procedure is a radical prostatectomy (removing the prostate). Home health care after surgery is often beneficial to aid in recuperation and provide support.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be recommended as a first-line treatment for localized prostate cancer. It can also be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or provide symptom relief if the cancer has spread.
Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
Prostate cancer is fueled by male hormones (androgens) like testosterone. The goal of hormone therapy is to decrease or block androgens—using medications or surgery—so they stop stimulating prostate cancer cell growth.
Chemotherapy & Targeted Drug Therapy
These systemic treatments are typically used if the cancer has spread outside the prostate or no longer responds to hormone therapy. Chemotherapy destroys rapidly growing cells, while targeted therapies specifically attack the genetic mutations inside the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
This approach uses medications to stimulate your body’s immune system, helping it recognize and fight advanced or aggressive prostate cancer cells more effectively.
Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery)
An alternative for some localized cancers, this minimally invasive procedure uses controlled, freezing temperatures to target and destroy the cancer cells directly inside the prostate.
Tips for Living Well with Prostate Cancer
Self-care during cancer treatment is an essential component of healing, as is a positive mental outlook. It may be helpful to have a caregiver to support you or your loved one so that you’re not enduring the challenges alone.
Daily grooming, eating healthy food, and getting outdoors can all be beneficial. So can activities like watching distracting TV, reading a good novel, or spending time with friends. You may also want to join a prostate cancer support group.
Chronic illness burnout threatens both people undergoing long-term prostate cancer symptoms, treatment, or recovery and their caregivers. Getting enough sleep, doing gentle exercise, and practicing mindful breathing can help reduce physical and mental fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
Is prostate cancer always fatal?
No, prostate cancer is not always fatal. When caught early, localized and regional prostate cancers have a five-year survival rate greater than 99%. However, if the cancer goes undetected and spreads to distant parts of the body, it becomes much harder to treat, and the five-year survival rate drops to just under 40%.
What is a "normal" PSA level for a senior?
Doctors don't rely on an exact "normal" PSA level because aging and other life factors affect everyone's risk of prostate cancer differently. Instead, they may use age-specific ranges, combine different types of PSA into a score, or factor in how much your PSA levels have changed since your last test. But in general, doctors use a guidepost that most older men without prostate cancer have a PSA result under 4.0 ng/mL.
Can women get prostate cancer?
No, women typically do not get prostate cancer. The prostate gland is part of the male anatomy. However, anyone born with a prostate can get prostate cancer, which means transgender women can still be at risk and should discuss screening with their doctor.
How does hormone therapy for prostate cancer affect daily mood and energy?
Hormone therapy can cause a range of side effects that include fatigue, irritability, and depression. Not everyone will experience these symptoms, but if you do, let your healthcare team know. They may offer relief or coping options or recommend a different treatment.
What are common side effects of prostate cancer treatment?
Common side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment can include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sexual desire
- Hot flashes
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- Anxiety
Support at home, from family or professional caregivers, can make a significant difference in your coping ability, physical comfort, and mental outlook.
How In-Home Care Can Support Cancer Treatment & Recovery
Getting a prostate cancer diagnosis is never welcome. But having an optimistic outlook, spending time with people you care about, and working with a care team you trust can make a big difference in managing your diagnosis.
BrightStar Care provides high-quality, nurse-led home care so those undergoing prostate cancer treatment can be comfortable and supported at home. Whether you need personal care, skilled nursing care, or respite care services to support you or a loved one’s health, our care teams are here to help you.
Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.