When caught early, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers a man can face.1 But when it goes undetected, it can quietly spread beyond the prostate, limiting treatment options and reducing survival.1
That’s why screening matters and timing is everything.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer, and Black men are diagnosed more often and at younger ages than any other group.2 Yet despite these risks, too many men, especially men in Black and Brown communities, don’t get screened early or often enough.2
This article is your guide to understanding how prostate cancer screening works, where to find it near you, and why early detection can be life-saving.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.3
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in that gland begin to grow abnormally. In most cases, it develops slowly, but some forms are more aggressive and can spread quickly to other parts of the body.3
Like we learned in a previous blog series from Dr. Wright, you might not experience symptoms of prostate cancer. Research shows that by the time men notice trouble urinating, blood in the urine, or back pain, the disease may already be advanced.4 That’s what makes early screening so critical in our communities.
Why Screening Matters, Especially for Our Communities
Black men are about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.2 Hispanic and Afro-Caribbean men also face higher risks and later-stage diagnoses.5
These disparities don’t come from biology alone. They’re rooted in limited access to preventive care, gaps in insurance coverage, fewer referrals for screening, and deep-seated medical mistrust.5
Prostate cancer is often called a “silent killer”.2 But for too many Black men, that silence starts long before the diagnosis—in skipped checkups, unasked questions, and a culture that tells men to “tough it out”.2
In the words of Dr. Wright, “Prostate cancer is real and we have to face it. Get on the phone with your doctor today… Early detection and screening is key. It will SAVE YOUR LIFE”!
The Two Key Tests You Need to Know
Prostate cancer screening usually involves two main tests, both of which are quick and accessible.
1. PSA Blood Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
This test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, in your blood.6 Higher levels may indicate cancer, but can also be caused by infections or an enlarged prostate.6 It’s often the first step in identifying potential issues.6
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
In this brief exam, a healthcare provider uses a gloved finger to feel the prostate for lumps, firmness, or irregular shapes. While the idea can make some men uncomfortable, it’s fast, safe, and can detect cancers that don’t cause a PSA rise.6
If either test suggests a problem, your doctor may recommend additional imaging (such as an MRI) or a biopsy, which removes small tissue samples to confirm a diagnosis.6 A biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.6
When to Start Screening
Screening guidelines vary slightly, but most experts recommend:
- Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer: Start discussing screening with your doctor at age 40 to 45. For other races, it’s recommended to begin these conversations and start getting screened around age 50.5
- Repeat screenings: If results are normal, repeat every 1 to 2 years depending on your risk and your provider’s advice.5
Screening doesn’t mean you have cancer, it means you’re taking charge of your health.
Finding Screenings Near You
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Here are ways to find trusted, affordable prostate cancer screenings in your area:
- Start with your doctor. Ask directly for a PSA blood test and DRE during your next physical.
- Check with your local hospital or health system. Many host free or low-cost prostate screening events during September (Prostate Cancer Awareness Month) and throughout the year.
- Visit these trusted resources:
What You Can Do Right Now
- Schedule your screening. If you’re 40 or older, put it on your calendar today.6
- Know your numbers. Ask for your PSA level and write it down so you can track changes over time.6
- Talk about it. Bring it up with your brothers, sons, and friends. Normalize the conversation.
- Stay consistent. Screenings aren’t one-time events, they’re a lifelong commitment to prevention.
A Call to Action for Black Men
Black men continue to face the highest death rates from prostate cancer in America, but that doesn’t have to be our story. Early screening is a game-changer. It means catching cancer when it’s curable, not fatal.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Show up for yourself. Encourage another man to do the same. Be the reason a brother gets checked this year instead of becoming another statistic.
References
- ZERO Prostate Cancer. (2025). Early Detection Saves Lives: Screening and PSA Test. Retrieved from ZERO Prostate Cancer: https://zerocancer.org/about-prostate-cancer/early-detection
- Lillard, J. W., Moses, K. A., Mahal, B. A., & George, D. J. (2022). Racial disparities in Black men with prostate cancer: A literature review. Cancer. doi:10.1002/cncr.34433
- ACS. (2023, November 22). What Is Prostate Cancer? Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
- ACS. (2025, January 7). Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
- Lowder, D., Rizwan, K., Colin, M., Paparella, A., Ittmann, M., Mitsiades, N., & Kaochar, S. (2022). Racial disparities in prostate cancer: A complex interplay between socioeconomic inequities and genomics. Cancer Letters. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2022.01.028
- ACS. (2025, March 21). Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
