Some are being diagnosed as early as in their 30 s, but the majority of all cases occur in men over age 60. For reasons that are not clearly understood, the incidence rate is significantly greater for African-American. African-American men die of prostate cancer at twice the rate of Caucasian men. Prostate cancer is most curable when it is detected early. The American Cancer Society also suggests a PSA blood test, for men age 50 and older and for men with a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer as well as all African-American men PSA testing starting at age 45.
Some prostate cancers can grow and spread quickly, especially in younger men.
Elevated levels of PSA may indicate a need for additional follow-up. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located in front of the rectum, behind the base of the penis, and under the bladder. It is found only in men, and produces some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm cells. The prostate surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the penis. Nerves close to the prostate take part in causing an erection of the penis, and treatments that remove or damage these nerves can cause erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.