Is your partner a man? Here you can find out everything you need to know about prostate cancer

By Editor On Nov 10, 2025

English

In 2022, Lisa Barron’s husband, Jeff, began experiencing urinary symptoms that doctors attributed to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Because Jeff was losing friends and family to prostate cancer, he pushed for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The results suggested a high likelihood of prostate cancer and marked the beginning of a difficult process for the Barrons.

“There were endless months where we couldn’t sleep waiting for test results and were silently afraid thinking about what if there were positive results,” Lisa said. It was later discovered that the cancer was aggressive and had spread to Jeff’s lymph nodes.

Currently, Jeff’s cancer is virtually undetectable. However, the process is not yet complete. “We know that the word ‘undetectable’ doesn’t mean the cancer won’t come back,” Lisa said. “Every follow-up visit brings with it hope and fear.”

Even if you don’t have a prostate, you probably know or love someone who does. Here you can find out everything you need to know about prostate cancer.

Anatomical basics of the prostate

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that men have. It is located in the pelvis, below the bladder, in front of the rectum. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It adds fluid to semen and transports it along the urethra during ejaculation.

Risk factors

Prostate cancer is very common. “Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Dr. John G. Christensen Jr., board-certified urologist at Northwestern Medicine.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include:

Old
African American race and African ethnicity
Family history of prostate cancer
Certain genetic changes or mutations

Although there is no proven method for preventing prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes may be helpful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer:

Reduce dairy and other high-fat foods
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
smoking prohibited
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy body weight

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer doesn’t always have symptoms. “Early stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, so the first warning sign is usually an elevated PSA level,” said Christensen.

When early-stage prostate cancer causes symptoms, they often include:

Blood in urine or semen
Frequent urination
Difficulty urinating

Although prostate cancer is often detected early, it can spread and cause symptoms of advanced prostate cancer, including:

Urine leaks
Back or leg pain
Erectile dysfunction
fatigue
Involuntary weight loss
Weakness of the arms or legs

Prostate cancer can also cause the following complications:

Pain or burning when urinating
Weak urine flow
Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence
Hip or chest pain

Treatments for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer can usually be treated, especially if it is detected early. “The prognosis for early-stage prostate cancer is excellent and most men have good cancer control with essentially normal life expectancy,” Christensen said.

Therapeutic options typically include:

observation
radiation
Operations
Hormone therapy
Medication

Examination and diagnosis of prostate cancer

Most prostate cancers are detected early, partly due to screening tests. “The most important screening test is the PSA blood test,” Christensen said. PSA testing is typically recommended for men over 50 years old.

Prostate exams or digital rectal exams can also be helpful for healthcare providers to detect prostate cancer. They may find that the prostate is enlarged or has other abnormalities that require further examination. Healthcare providers may also order imaging or a biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.

Jeff and Lisa’s story is one of resilience and a reminder of the importance of early detection. Lisa also has a message for spouses and caregivers: “A diagnosis affects not just one person, but also partners, children and loved ones.”

This educational resource was created with support from Bayer and Merck.