From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Men have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer if they’re 50 years old or older, are African-American, or have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer.
Screening
Currently, there is not enough credible evidence to decide if the potential benefit of prostate cancer screening outweighs the potential risks. The potential benefit of prostate cancer screening is finding cancer early, which may make treatment more effective. Potential risks of screening include false positive test results (the test says you have cancer when you don’t), treatment of prostate cancers that may never affect your health, and side effects from treatment.
Informed Decision Making
Is prostate cancer screening right for you? Talk to your doctor to learn the nature and risk of prostate cancer and the benefits and risks of the screening tests. Then make a decision consistent with your preferences and values.
Learn more about prostate cancer.
From the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
Every year, cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. Men can reduce their risk for some of the most common types of cancer.
Lung Cancer
More men in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to quit smoking or not start smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, some factors increase risk. These include older age, a family history of prostate cancer, and being African American. Talk to your doctor about getting screened for prostate cancer.
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
The third leading cause of cancer deaths in American men is colorectal cancer. Screening is recommended for both men and women beginning at age 50. Screening tests for colorectal cancer can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Learn more about cancer and men.
