Life Kit

What to know about prostate cancer

December 8, 2025

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  • Early stage prostate cancer generally does not cause symptoms, making routine screenings like the PSA blood test crucial for detection. 
  • There is disagreement among medical guidelines regarding the optimal age to begin prostate cancer screenings, with recommendations varying based on risk factors like age, race, and family history. 
  • If a PSA test is elevated, further confirmation via a biopsy is required to diagnose prostate cancer, and patients are advised to take time to seek second opinions before committing to treatment. 

Segments

Prostate Cancer Advocate Interview
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(00:00:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Montel Jordan was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 55 following a routine screening and biopsy.
  • Summary: Singer Montel Jordan shared his experience being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2024 at age 55 after a routine screening. He underwent prostate removal followed by radiation for cancer cells found in his lymph nodes and prostate bed. He is sharing his story publicly to encourage others to get routine screenings, as early-stage prostate cancer often presents with no symptoms.
Symptom Recognition and Screening Importance
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(00:04:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Early stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic, but symptoms like changes in urinary function or bone pain warrant investigation.
  • Summary: Prostate cancer is usually found through screening rather than symptoms. Any change in sexual or urinary function, including slow stream or new onset erectile dysfunction, should be investigated. Symptoms like bone pain or pelvic pain often indicate advanced, metastatic disease, which accounts for 10 to 15% of presentations.
Screening Age Guidelines Debate
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(00:07:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Medical guidelines conflict on when men should start prostate cancer screening, ranging from age 55 to 45-75.
  • Summary: The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends shared decision-making starting at age 55 up to 69 for average-risk men. Oncologists often follow the NCCN recommendation to begin screening between ages 45 and 75. High-risk groups, including Black men and those with first-degree relatives diagnosed, should consider starting screening earlier, around age 40 or 45.
Screening Procedures and Discomfort
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(00:12:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Prostate cancer screening primarily involves an annual PSA blood test, though a rectal exam can detect cancers missed by PSA alone.
  • Summary: Screenings are generally done annually alongside routine blood work. The exam involves a discussion, a PSA blood test, and potentially a rectal exam, which urologists typically perform. The rectal exam helps assess prostate size and feel for nodules, which is important because some concerning cancers produce low PSA levels.
Post-Screening Follow-up and Biopsy
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(00:17:38)
  • Key Takeaway: A biopsy is the confirmatory step needed to diagnose prostate cancer before treatment options are discussed.
  • Summary: If a PSA test is elevated, doctors may order additional tests like imaging or urine tests, but a tissue diagnosis via biopsy is required for confirmation. Management begins with risk stratification (low, intermediate, high-risk) for localized disease. Treatment options generally include robotic surgery or various forms of radiation, sometimes combined with hormone therapy.
Navigating Diagnosis and Support
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(00:20:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Patients should take time after diagnosis to process information, seek second opinions, and rely on their community for support.
  • Summary: It is crucial to take a deep breath while waiting for results, as prostate cancer is often curable, and advanced cases are seeing longer survival. Patients should get second opinions and take time (up to a month) to digest information before deciding on treatment aggressiveness and tolerable side effects. Having a strong community or ’tribe’ is essential for mental strength during the fight against the disease.