What Every Man Should Know
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026. While most prostate cancer progresses slowly, there is always the risk that it can be aggressive and spread beyond the prostate if left untreated.
The good news is when prostate cancer is found early, treatment is often highly effective. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 98%, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For men with average risk, screening should begin around age 50 to 55. For men at higher risk, or with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin around age 40 to 45.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. For men with average risk, screening should begin around age 50 to 55. For men at higher risk or with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin around age 40 to 45. A primary care physician will help determine the best screening schedule based on age, health history and personal preferences.
“One of the biggest challenges with prostate cancer is that it often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. That’s why talking with your physician about your family history and any symptoms you experience is so important,” John R. Moore, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Urology said.
As prostate cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, back or pelvis that does not go away
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for an evaluation.
At Hattiesburg Clinic, a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is used to screen for prostate cancer and help identify potential concerns early without invasive procedures. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. While an abnormal PSA does not automatically mean you have prostate cancer, your physician may recommend further testing or evaluation.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, routine screening and discussions with your physician can help detect it early, when treatment is often most effective. If you receive a positive diagnosis, Hattiesburg Clinic is here to offer comprehensive care through every step of treatment. Whether your physician recommends surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy, the physicians with Hattiesburg Clinic Urology will discuss your treatment options and help you create a plan tailored to your individual needs.
If surgery is recommenced as part of your treatment plan, Hattiesburg Clinic Urology is one of the only groups in the region offering robotic prostate surgery, which may lead to a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a lower the risk of complications post-surgery.
Through a multidisciplinary, team-based approach, Hattiesburg Clinic Urology works with patients to create a personalized care plan and coordinate care throughout every stage of treatment.
“Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found early. Routine screening offers you the best chance to catch concerns early and give yourself more treatment options,” John R. Moore, MD,, with Hattiesburg Clinic Urology said.
Prostate cancer is common, but early detection and advances in treatment have led to excellent outcomes for many men. If you are age 50 or older, talk with your primary care physician about when prostate cancer screening is right for you.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic Urology:
The mission of Hattiesburg Clinic Urology is to provide the most comprehensive urologic care possible in an efficient and timely manner while emphasizing the needs of the individual patient. We strive to deliver excellent urological services through an integrated approach that combines clinical experience, technology and accessibility.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
