Clicky

Prostate Cancer

With early detection and education, we can better prevent and manage prostate cancer in our communities.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small organ that helps make semen. It’s one of the most common cancers in men.

While many cases grow slowly, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms, and are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men.

Untitled design 1 1

Symptoms of
Prostate Cancer

In the early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is critical. In later stages, signs may include:

shutterstock 2264575135 scaled 1

TROUBLE URINATING

  • Weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, or frequent urination at night

shutterstock 2073194435 scaled 1

PAIN OR BURNING

  • During urination or ejaculation

shutterstock 2545848561 scaled 1

BLOOD IN URINE OR SEMEN

  • A warning sign that needs immediate medical attention

TROUBLE URINATING

  • Weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, or frequent urination at night

PAIN OR BURNING

  • During urination or ejaculation

BLOOD IN URINE OR SEMEN

  • A warning sign that needs immediate medical attention

Want more information about this condition?

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they’re new or persistent, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor about screening and next steps.

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about
managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

Untitled design 1 4

Risk Factors
for Prostate Cancer

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for prostate cancer:

  • Race: Black men are at the highest risk of getting and dying from prostate cancer.
  • Age: Risk increases after 50, but Black men should consider screening earlier (starting around age 45 or even 40 if high-risk).
  • Family History: A father, brother, or uncle with prostate cancer increases your risk.
  • Genetics: BRCA mutations (often discussed in breast cancer) can raise prostate cancer risk, too.
  • Screening: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams (DREs) can detect cancer early.
  • Healthy Diet: Diets low in red meat and high in fruits and veggies may reduce risk.
  • Follow-Up: Don’t delay further testing if something looks off.
  • Second Opinions: Especially when told to “watch and wait”, Black men are often offered less aggressive care.
Untitled design 1 3 1

Managing and Preventing Prostate Cancer

When prostate cancer is found early, it’s highly treatable, and many men go on to live long, healthy lives. The key is knowing your options and building a care plan that works for you.

Untitled design 1 4
shutterstock_2180790217-1-scaled.jpg

Medications & Treatment Options

  • Active Surveillance: Careful monitoring for slow-growing cancer
  • Surgery: Removing the prostate (prostatectomy) if cancer is more aggressive
  • Radiation Therapy: Often used instead of or alongside surgery
men-1-scaled.jpg

Culturally Responsive Care

  • Many Black men report feeling dismissed in healthcare settings, but your voice matters.
  • Bring someone with you to appointments, write down questions, and ask about clinical trials
  • Don’t be afraid to switch providers if you’re not getting the respect and information you deserve
OLDERBLACKMAN.png

Early Detection

  • Prostate cancer often has no symptoms early on, that’s why regular screening is so important, especially for Black men.
  • Talk to your provider about PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing starting at age 40–45 if you have risk factors.
  • Ask about both PSA testing and digital rectal exams (DRE); together, they give a fuller picture.

Managing Lung Cancer

When found early, lung cancer can be treated more effectively, but Black people are less likely to be offered curative treatments like surgery. Empowering our community with knowledge and advocacy can help close that gap.

Untitled design 1 4
shutterstock_2078575474-1-scaled.jpg

Medications

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

  • Diuretics (“water pills”): Help your body get rid of extra salt and water
  • ACE inhibitors & ARBs: Help relax your blood vessels
  • Calcium channel blockers: Help slow your heartbeat and ease vessel tension
  • Beta blockers: Reduce your heart rate and how hard it works
The-Right-Amount-of-Sodium-to-Re.png

Everyday Strategies

  • Reduce Salt: Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day
  • Manage Stress: Therapy, prayer, breathing exercises, joy
Fitness-3-scaled.jpg

Lifestyle Support

  • Eat Smart: Whole foods, fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains
  • Move More: 30 minutes of activity most days
shutterstock 2430401423 scaled 1

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: To remove tumors when possible
  • Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells throughout the body
  • Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer options that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer
shutterstock 2264575135 scaled 1

Managing Side Effects and Recovery

  • Talk with your care team about fatigue, nausea, or trouble eating
  • Stay up to date on vaccinations and respiratory infections
shutterstock 2254749919 scaled 1

Advocating For Yourself

  • Bring a loved one to appointments to help take notes and ask questions
  • Seek a second opinion if needed, especially about surgery or clinical studies

What Our Community Needs

We read the online discourse on Prostate cancer and found that our community is looking for:

Untitled design 1 4

Ways to combat social stigmas

Deep-seated cultural stigma and masculinity norms within the Black community create significant barriers to discussing prostate cancer, leading many men to avoid preventive care and early treatment.

Solutions to disparities in healthcare access

Black men face significant disparities in prostate cancer care, driven by socioeconomic barriers, systemic healthcare inequities, and a lack of targeted medical interventions.

Better representation in clinical studies

The lack of Black male participation in clinical research, particularly in prostate cancer treatment studies, contributes to gaps in efficacy data, fewer tailored medical advancements, and ongoing mistrust in healthcare solutions.

Resources for Prostate Cancer

Many people with prostate cancer live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Hear From Other People

Listen to how Theo is navigating life after prostate cancer.

Know Your PSA

Learn what the PSA test is, when to take it, and what your results mean.

Find Resources Designed For You

Explore prostate cancer education resources and support groups for Black men.

Resources for Prostate Cancer

Many people with prostate cancer live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Black History Month 2026
The 2026 is live — Meet the visionaries who are making history today.

Download Every Kidney Counts Assets

Download Rooted Resilience Assets

Skip to content