Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Over 40 Should Know

Prostate cancer is the most common internal cancer in U.S. men (excluding skin cancers), affecting 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. To put it into perspective, if you’re on the golf course with seven friends, at least one of you will likely face a diagnosis. Prostate malignancy is also the second leading cause of cancer death among men, after lung cancer. Yet, when detected early, it is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal time to learn about prevention, schedule screenings, and take advantage of the resources available to protect your health. The first step? Talking openly with your doctor.

Darrell Carmen, MD, a urologist at Georgia Urology, explains, “Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer screening and treatment remain one of the most confusing aspects of medicine for both patients and primary care physicians. Much is left to the relationship between a specialized doctor, like a urologist, and their patient. But most of our patients don’t realize that simply having a candid discussion and performing a couple of easy tests can make a life-saving difference.”

Recommended starting ages and screening intervals can be confusing, but general recommendations for when to start screening are as follows:

● Age 50: Men at average risk (no family history of prostate cancer)

● Age 45: Men at high risk (all Black men*and a family history of a father or brother diagnosed before 65)

● Age 40: Men at highest risk (a family history of multiple close relatives affected and carriers of BRCA gene mutations)
*Black men have a 70% higher risk of being diagnosed and more than twice the risk of dying from the disease, often at a younger age.

Screening typically begins with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which helps detect cancer before symptoms appear. Knowing your family history, talking openly with your physician, and scheduling regular visits are critical steps every man should take. Early detection through regular screening can save your life.

Common Misunderstandings

Myth: A high PSA level always means you have prostate cancer. 
Fact: High levels of PSA can be caused by non-cancerous conditions as well, such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), age, and other lifestyle factors. There is no strictly defined level for PSA indicating cancer, busting conventional wisdom. Today, urologists use the PSA as a baseline and trend test to understand if it is increasing to the degree that cancer is suspected. If the PSA trend is concerning, a biopsy may be performed to confirm a diagnosis.

Myth: If I have a family history of prostate cancer, I will definitely get it. 
Fact: A family history increases your risk, but not everyone with diagnosed family members will develop the disease. It becomes most relevant as it relates to close male relatives like brothers or fathers, as well as female family members who may have the BRCA gene variant often found in breast cancer patients. Many cases can also occur without an underlying family history.

Myth: Prostate cancer always has noticeable symptoms. 
Fact: Not true. Many men with early-stage prostate cancer have no symptoms. Symptoms like blood in the urine or semen, or trouble urinating, often indicate the disease is more advanced. Many men with urinary symptoms have BPH (enlarged prostate), not cancer. Anyone experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms should consult a urologist because even if it’s non-cancerous, there are many treatments that can tremendously improve quality of life.

Myth: Prostate cancer requires immediate care and will lead to impotence and incontinence. 
Fact: Some prostate cancers are slow-growing and can be monitored instead of treated immediately. Also, while surgery can have side effects, those effects are not always permanent, and treatment options are varied. For patients who want to treat low-grade prostate cancer, NanoKnife and Focal One High Intensity Focused Ultrasound significantly reduce the risk compared to traditional whole-gland treatments. For high-grade or more aggressive prostate cancer that requires radiation or removal of the prostate, patients should be heartened to know that a comprehensive lifestyle restoration program, as offered by urologists such as Carmen, can help men regain continence and erectile function more quickly following treatment.

Myth: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) leads to prostate cancer. 
Fact: Having an enlarged prostate (BPH) does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, certain symptoms can be shared with more advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, all lower urinary tract symptoms should be checked by a urologist.

Myth: Men over the age of 70 should not be screened for prostate cancer.

Fact: Routine PSA screening is generally not recommended after 70, but decisions should be made through shared decision-making with a urologist. Former President Biden’s recent diagnosis of prostate cancer shows us that it does not discriminate by age.

 A Community Response: Pickleball for Prostate

Awareness is powerful, and community action makes a BIG difference. That’s why Georgia Urology, in partnership with the Courage and Strength to Fight Foundation, is hosting the first-ever Pickleball for Prostate Tournament this month.

Location: Sandy Springs Racquet Center
Dates: September 20–21, 2025
Purpose: Raise awareness, provide education, and build a supportive community for men navigating prostate cancer. Family members and community advocates are also encouraged to attend in the spirit of camaraderie, connection, and courage.

The event will feature tournament play runs September 20–21, and proceeds will benefit the Courage and Strength to Fight Foundation, which supports men—particularly African American survivors—by fostering education, advocacy, and emotional well-being.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you are a pickleball enthusiast, survivor, caregiver, or simply an advocate for men’s health, your participation helps spread the word and save lives.

Register today at www.gaurology.com/pickleball/


Together, we can raise awareness, encourage early detection, and ensure that more men live longer, healthier lives.