Alex Apatoff is the Executive Editor of PEOPLE Digital. She has worked on the style and beauty team and in a cross-departmental role.
When a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer, there may be many questions that come to mind: Does this increase my own chances? How can I support them through their diagnosis and treatment? Actor Colin Egglesfield was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 -- and our cover story about his health journey and what he learned about the importance of caregiving touches on some of those key points.
"It is crucial to be present for someone going through a prostate cancer diagnosis," says Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health Chief Medical Officer. "Start by letting them know that you're in this together and that they don't have to face the journey alone. Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some men may want to talk openly, others may become quiet or withdrawn. Listen without judgment and allow them to express their fears and concerns."
"It's true that prostate cancer is most often diagnosed in men in their 60s and 70s, but younger men can get it, too," says Dr. Imtiaz, who recommends reading up at American Cancer Society, the Prostate Cancer Foundation or ZERO Prostate Cancer for additional insights.
PEOPLE asked Dr. Imtiaz our most pressing questions about prostate cancer.
What are the most frequent warning signs of prostate cancer?
Early on there may not be any symptoms at all. But as the disease develops, symptoms start, including difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, or needing to urinate more often (especially at night).
What are some common misconceptions about prostate cancer?
If prostate cancer runs in my family, I'm destined to get it (and if it doesn't, I'm safe). While a family history of prostate cancer does increase your risk (if your father or brother had it, your own risk could be more than double), it's not a guarantee you'll get the disease. Likewise, plenty of men with no family history do develop prostate cancer. In fact, many men diagnosed have no close relatives with the disease.
Or that prostate cancer treatment always ruins a man's quality of life (i.e., ends your sex life or causes incontinence). Many men regain sexual function with time or with help from medications/therapies, and not every treatment leads to lasting urinary problems. Every patient is different, but it's a myth that treatment inevitably means the end of intimacy or normal life.
What are the best ways to prevent prostate cancer?
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity has been linked to a higher risk of more aggressive prostate cancers. Physical activity can improve your hormone balance and immune function and reduce inflammation, which is great for cancer prevention. Aim to have a diet full of fruits and vegetables so you're getting the antioxidants. Some studies suggest that foods rich in lycopene (like cooked tomatoes) and sulforaphane (from cruciferous veggies) could be beneficial, though research is ongoing. Smoking is associated with worse health outcomes, including possibly higher risk of aggressive cancers.
How should we support our loved ones who are diagnosed with prostate cancer?
It's helpful to educate yourself about prostate cancer so you can understand what they are going through. Your knowledge will make you feel more confident in supporting them. There can be a lot to take in.
Day-to-day, look for practical ways to help ease their stress. Treatment and doctor visits can be tiring, so perhaps you can assist with chores or errands like cooking a few meals, driving them to appointments, and helping with household tasks.
Men sometimes have trouble talking about worries or feelings. It is best to gently encourage conversation. What your loved one needs most is understanding and patience.
You can suggest joining a cancer support group (or even go together), or talking to a counselor, especially if you notice signs of depression or overwhelming anxiety. Connecting with others who have been through prostate cancer can help your loved one feel less isolated. Sometimes just your quiet companionship, like sitting together watching a movie or chatting about normal things, can be the best medicine to help them feel hopeful and valued as they fight prostate cancer.
Where can people with prostate cancer go to find community and support?
Support groups provide a chance to share experiences with others who truly understand what you're going through, which can make a huge difference. Organizations like ZERO Prostate Cancer offer more than 160 prostate cancer support groups around the country, both local meet-ups and online sessions so that anyone can participate regardless of location. Being in a group with people who have similar worries and experiences helps many people feel more empowered. CancerCare also offers free counseling and support groups (by telephone or online) led by oncology social workers for people with cancer.
What has contributed to the evolution of the prognosis for prostate cancer over the years?
The prognosis for prostate cancer has improved dramatically over the past few decades, and many factors have played a role in this positive evolution. One major contributor is earlier detection. Since the introduction of widespread PSA blood testing, many prostate cancers are now caught at an earlier, localized stage before they have spread. Catching cancer early hugely improves survival chances. When prostate cancer is found while still confined to the prostate or nearby areas, the five-year survival rate is effectively over 99%.
Prostate cancer treatment has come a long way. Surgery is now safer thanks to techniques like nerve-sparing and robotic procedures. Radiation has also improved, with tools that target cancer more precisely. For advanced cases, newer hormone treatments, chemo, and targeted drugs are helping men live longer. Exciting new options like immunotherapy and radioligand therapy (which deliver radiation directly to cancer cells) are offering even more hope. These advances mean doctors today have more effective ways to treat prostate cancer even when it has spread.