The complexities of prostate cancer care
As a care partner, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge about the disease. Feel better prepared for discussions with your loved one and his doctor by learning details about prostate cancer, including understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and how to identify progression.
This photo does not represent an actual patient and care partner.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States1
In 2025, there were estimated to be 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer1
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, but the risk of developing prostate cancer will vary by person.2
Risk factors for prostate cancer include3:
- Older age – Being older than 65 years old
- Race/ethnicity – prostate cancer is more common in Black men and less common in Asian American, Hispanic, and Latino men
- Family history – Having a close relative such as a brother or father (or other relatives) with prostate cancer
- Inherited gene changes – Variations in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 are linked to an increase in the risk of developing certain cancers, including prostate cancer
This photo does not represent an actual patient.
Understanding a prostate cancer diagnosis
Every prostate cancer diagnosis is different—and so is the journey that follows. While the exact steps may vary by experience, the accompanying timeline gives you a sense of what to expect. Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared and supported at every stage.
“Even when it was overwhelming, I reminded myself: if I can understand this, I can help him better.”
—Susan*, care partner
*Name changed for care partner privacy.
Screening, including prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exam (DRE)
Your loved one may undergo screening for prostate cancer such as PSA tests and DREs. PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. Your loved one may receive PSA tests every 3-6 months to monitor tumor growth, response to treatment, and help detect recurrence of disease. PSA tests determine PSA levels, which are one measure of prostate health. A rising PSA after initial diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can indicate that the cancer has come back and could mean your loved one needs more tests to determine if the cancer has returned.4
A digital rectal exam is a quick, routine test that helps doctors check the health of the prostate. During the exam, the healthcare provider gently inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, and texture of the prostate. This helps detect any unusual changes that may need further evaluation.4
While waiting for PSA test results, focus on enjoying life together. Take walks, watch favorite movies, and cook healthy meals to stay positive and connected
Further tests, such as imaging and biopsies
If your loved one’s PSA level is outside of the normal range, their doctor will also take into consideration his age, family history, and other details to decide whether further testing is required. For example, a biopsy test or imaging such as MRI may be needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis and understand if and to the extent to which the cancer has spread. If you have any information on family history such as other cancers or awareness of specific genetic mutations, it is important to share this information with your loved one’s doctor.5
When the diagnosis has been confirmed and the degree of disease progression has been established, discussions about appropriate treatment will take place with the medical team.
Consider genetic testing for your loved one
It’s important to know if your loved one has a genetic mutation that may make them more susceptible to high-risk prostate cancer. Speak to your loved one’s doctor about receiving genetic testing, which can be done by saliva, blood, or biopsy tests, and can determine if they have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Knowing their BRCA status can help guide treatment recommendations.6
You can also help in this process by documenting the types of genetic testing he may receive and informing his doctor of any relevant family history, such as one or more relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer, a relative with a known BRCA gene mutation, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. You and your loved one may work with a genetic counselor to help guide you through the genetic testing process.
You may hear terms like “germline testing” and “somatic testing”:
- Germline testing is a type of genetic test that can determine whether a DNA mutation, like BRCA, which is known to increase the risk for certain cancers, has been inherited. This test is usually performed through a cheek swab, saliva sample, or blood sample when they are first diagnosed, particularly if there is a family or personal history that increases risk. If this test comes back as BRCA positive, your loved one's family members should also consider genetic testing6
- Somatic testing is genetic testing of the tumor, which may be performed through biopsy of the tumor itself if the initial germline test is negative. This will help to confirm the presence of specific DNA mutations such as BRCA. Somatic testing of the tumor typically occurs when cancer has progressed or has spread to other parts of the body.6,7
While genetic testing can provide valuable information about prostate cancer risk, it’s not an easy decision for everyone. Some people feel overwhelmed by the emotional weight of knowing they carry a mutation—especially if there’s no clear course of action. Others worry about the cost of testing, potential impacts on insurance coverage, or how their data will be used and protected. For many, family dynamics add another layer of complexity—navigating whether, when, and how to share results with loved ones. Keep in mind that having knowledge of a genetic mutation may positively impact the treatment approach for your loved one and could provide them a chance for better outcomes.
Knowing if a genetic mutation is present may impact treatment choice and outcomes, so it is critical for your loved one to do genetic testing early
The prostate cancer journey
See the diagram below to learn more about the different prostate cancer paths from diagnosis to treatment.
Adapted from: PCahelp.org