Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that start in the prostate. The prostate is a gland that sits below the bladder found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men but can often be cured if found early. Even when a cure isn’t possible, treatment can slow the growth of cancer and help you live longer.
What Raises Your Risk
There are certain risk factors for prostate cancer that are out of your control. Your chances of getting prostate cancer may rise because of:
- Older Age:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises men ages 55 to 69 to talk with their doctor about getting screened. - Family History: Your risk more than doubles if you have a father or brother with prostate cancer, or other family who were young when the cancer was found. Certain genes may also be passed down from close family members with other types of cancer (like breast cancer) that can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
- Race/Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common among African American men and Black men of Caribbean descent. When the cancer grows among these men, they tend to be younger.
- Certain Genes: Certain genes are passed down from a parent and can raise cancer risk. But it explains only a small rate of prostate cancers in total.
Lower Your Risk
There is no sure way to stop prostate cancer. Risk factors such as age, race, and family history can’t be controlled. But there are things you can do to lower your risk:
- Stay at a healthy weight: Being overweight may raise the risk of health problems, such as some cancers. Eating healthy foods and staying active can help you reach and stay at a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced plate: Fill ¼ of your plate with lean protein, ¼ with whole grains, and ½ with fruits and vegetables. Drink water or low-sugar drinks.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or moderate activity each week.
- Stop smoking and vaping: Quitting tobacco and nicotine products can lower your risk of many health problems and help you feel better.
- Talk with your doctor about your family history: Tell your doctor about close family members who have had cancer to help decide what testing is right for you, such as genetic testing.
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Symptoms
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. While not common, some symptoms might be:
- Trouble peeing or slow urine flow
- Peeing often, especially at night
- Pain, burning, or blood when you pee
Advanced prostate cancer means it has grown larger and may have spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may be:
- Not being able to have an erection
- Pain in your hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other body parts
- Weak or numb legs or feet
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired
When Should You Get Tested?
Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer testing. Your provider will check your age, family, or other health history. Together, you can weigh the good and bad points to see if you should get tested.
SFHP Benefits
San Francisco Health Plan covers routine patient care costs for preventing, testing, and treating cancer.
Care Management Programs
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer and want support, you can get help from the SFHP Care Management Program. Our care team can help you:
- Learn how to manage your medical conditions.
- Get referrals to community agencies, such as for food and transportation.
- Work with a nurse to get ready for your next health visit.
- Work with a care team to better understand your medications.
If you want to learn more, please call SFHP’s intake line at 1(415) 615-4515. This costs $0 for SFHP members.
If you have questions, please call Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800 or for SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP) at 1(833) 530-7327 or 711 (TTY).
