Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. The most powerful thing a man can do is get informed -- and get screened.
5-year survival rate when caught at the local or regional stage
Men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
Black men will be diagnosed -- nearly twice the national average
When Black men and high-risk individuals should begin screening conversations
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, though other conditions can also raise PSA. It is a simple blood draw — fast, routine, and widely available.
A DRE allows a doctor to physically examine the prostate gland for abnormalities in size, shape, or texture. It is often done alongside a PSA test. While brief and straightforward, it provides information the PSA test alone cannot.
Men at average risk with no family history of prostate cancer and who are not Black should discuss screening with their doctor starting at age 50.
Black men are significantly more likely to develop prostate cancer and to be diagnosed at a younger age. Screening conversations should begin at age 40 to 45.
Men with a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer -- especially before age 65 -- are at higher risk and should begin screening discussions earlier
Men with multiple first-degree relatives affected, or those with known BRCA gene mutations, should speak with their doctor about a personalized screening plan
Yes. Early-stage prostate cancer almost never causes symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already spread. Feeling healthy is not the same as being cancer-free
The PSA test is a simple blood draw — no difference from any routine lab work. A DRE is brief and may cause mild discomfort, but it is over in seconds. Neither test should stop you from getting screened.
An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer. Many things can raise PSA levels. Your doctor will guide you through next steps, which may include a follow-up test or a referral to a specialist. Knowledge is always better than uncertainty.
We understand that access is a real barrier. That is why the Clarence Harris Foundation works to bring free and low cost screening events directly into communities.
Clarence Harris Foundation
Copyright © 2026 Clarence Harris Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.