Prostate Cancer
Be aware of your prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. It is more likely to develop in older men and in African American men. Because prostate cancer often grows slowly without causing symptoms, men should be aware of their risk and talk with a health care provider about screening.
Screening
When you should talk about screening.
Prostate cancer screening should be an informed decision made with your health care provider. The right age to start the conversation depends on your risk.
How Often
Talk to your health care provider to determine if prostate screening is recommended
Screening or Vaccine
Average Risk
Men 50 years and older
Screening or Vaccine
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test with or without a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Screening or Vaccine
High Risk
Men 45 years and older
High-risk men include African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (a person’s parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age. Early age is defined as less than 65 years.
Screening or Vaccine
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test with or without a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Screening or Vaccine
Higher Risk
Men 40 years and older
Men who have more than one first-degree relative who has had prostate cancer at an early age (less than 65).
Screening or Vaccine
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test with or without a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Per Screening for Life guidelines dated July 2021.
Important Note
Discuss your personal risk with your health care provider to determine whether screening is right for you.
Informed Decision
Make an informed decision about screening.
Screening is performed using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, with or without a digital rectal exam (DRE). Talk with your health care provider about your personal risk and whether screening is right for you.
Get screening support.
Need help paying for it?
Screening for Life is a program that can help pay for a screening if you can’t.
Learn More
Causes
What causes prostate cancer?
Men who are at higher risk for prostate cancer:
Age over 45
Risk increases sharply as men get older.
African American heritage
Family history of prostate cancer
Especially when relatives were diagnosed before age 65.
Inherited DNA changes or gene mutations
Diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy
Obesity
Tobacco use
Heavy alcohol use
Higher testosterone levels
Infection or inflammation of the prostate gland
From North America or of a northwestern European nationality
Symptoms
Prostate cancer symptoms can sometimes include:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Pain during orgasm
Blood in the urine
Treatment & Support
Treatment looks different for everyone.
Find personalized support, understand your options, and connect with care teams.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, Cancer Care Coordinators can help you find the services you need, when you need them. The services of these specially trained health professionals are free of charge to all Delawareans.
Learn MoreFree cancer treatment is available for up to two years to all Delaware residents who can’t afford to pay for it.
Learn MoreLearn how cancer stages are determined and what each stage means for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreExplore clinical trial options that may offer access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments.
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Nurse Navigators
Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer.
Whether you have insurance or not, Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer and provide follow-up help when you get your results. Choose from the list below to call a nurse navigator directly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or request a callback online.
or call directly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Surviving Cancer
Tips for life after diagnosis.
We offer a variety of tools, programs, and resources to support healthy living after diagnosis.
Eating Well
Find nutrition guidance on the road to recovery.
Learn MoreExercising
Discover how an active routine can give you the best chance of recovery.
Learn MoreSelf-Management Program
Build skills to manage your health day to day.
Learn MoreSupport Groups
Talk with others about your cancer to guide choices and find support.
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