New Brunswick, NJ, September 24, 2025 —Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. In 2025, the American Cancer Society (ACS) projects an estimated 313,780 new prostate cancer cases and 35,770 deaths nationwide. With such staggering numbers, awareness and early detection are more important than ever. Regular screenings play a crucial role in catching prostate cancer early, yet stigma and misconceptions often hold men back from seeking care.
David M. Golombos, MD, urologic oncologist in the Urologic Oncology Program at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares what men need to know.
Understanding your body. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Roughly the size of a walnut, it surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate produces fluid that makes up part of semen, playing a key role in fertility.
Know the risks and symptoms. While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. Age is a significant factor, with men over 50 being more susceptible. Family history of prostate cancer, particularly if a father or brother has been diagnosed, also raises the risk. Additionally, race plays a role, with Black men being more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men now face about a 67% higher incidence of prostate cancer and are roughly twice as likely to die from the disease compared with White men. Native American men also experience about 12% higher mortality despite having lower overall incidence.
Prostate cancer often develops silently. Many men experience no symptoms in the early stages. In more advanced cases, symptoms may include:
- Changes in the frequency or strength of urination
- Painful or burning urination
- Blood in urine
- Sudden or rapid decline in erectile function
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in semen
Men experiencing any of these symptoms should consult their doctor right away.
Regular prostate exams matter. Get checked. Prostate abnormalities can be detected through a blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or a digital rectal exam (DRE). The DRE involves a doctor feeling the prostate through the rectal wall to check for lumps or other irregularities. These exams are vital in detecting prostate cancer early, when it’s most treatable. When found at a local or regional stage, survival approaches nearly 100%.
Break the stigma around prostate exams. Despite the importance of prostate exams, many men avoid them due to fear, embarrassment, or a sense of shame linked to the prostate’s role in sexual function. It’s essential to shatter these misconceptions. Getting screened for prostate cancer is a vital component of men’s health, and should be viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness. With prostate cancer deaths no longer falling as quickly as in past decades, open conversations and proactive screening are more important than ever. Encouraging open discussions about prostate health is critical. Women can also play a significant role by supporting the men in their lives and urging them to prioritize their health by getting regular screenings.
For more information about screenings, treatment, and support, visit rwjbh.org/treatment-care/cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer/.
Media Contact:
Krista Didzbalis
Corporate Communications Specialist, Strategic Communications, RWJBarnabas Health
732.507.8307
krista.didzbalis2@rwjbh.org