Get the bigger picture on prostate cancer.
Diagnosis and what to expect
See how doctors diagnose prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer often develops without symptoms early on. Some people first learn about prostate cancer through routine screening tests, like a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
If results suggest cancer, a urologist may perform a prostate biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. Imaging tests can also be used to help show whether cancer is limited to the prostate or has spread beyond it.
Have you asked about biomarker testing?
Biomarker testing can help your care team design a treatment plan tailored to you. We’ll help you build a discussion guide you can take to your next visit.
Not all prostate cancer types are the same.
Once diagnosed, doctors look at where the cancer started and certain features to determine the type. Knowing the specific type can help guide treatment decisions and next steps.
The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, but there are other less common types as well.
Adenocarcinoma
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. They begin in the prostate’s gland cells, which make fluid that becomes part of semen.
Because this is the most common type of prostate cancer, much of what you may read about prostate cancer refers to adenocarcinoma.
Other types of prostate cancer
- Small cell carcinomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Sarcomas
These less common prostate cancer types may behave differently than adenocarcinoma and may be treated differently.
Understand prostate cancer stages.
A stage defines how far the cancer has grown or spread, from early-stage to more advanced. Most prostate cancers don’t spread to other areas of the body.
The TNM system helps determine the stage. It looks at tumor size (T), whether cancer is in lymph nodes (N), and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, or metastasized (M).
Doctors may also consider PSA level and Gleason score. The Gleason score describes how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and can help show how quickly the cancer may grow. Together, these factors help support treatment planning.
Knowing the stage, PSA level, and Gleason score helps guide treatment decisions.
Stage 1
Cancer is found only in the prostate and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Stage 2
Cancer is still only in the prostate, but may be larger or growing more quickly than earlier-stage disease.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby tissues, but not to distant parts of the body.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body, such as bones or other organs.
Ways to work with your care team
From questions to clarity, your doctor can help.
Diagnosis, testing, and treatment types can bring lots of questions. We can help prepare you to get the most out of your conversations.
Get answers about your diagnosis.
- What type of cancer do I have?
- Has it spread or grown?
- What stage is my cancer?
Talk about your treatment plan.
- What types of treatment are used for my cancer?
- If biomarker testing was done, how do the results impact my treatment plan?
- What are the goals of my treatment plan?
Ask about support and resources.
- What support services are available?
- Who can help me navigate care and next steps?
- Who on my care team can I reach out to when I have questions?
We’re committed to helping you afford your Pfizer prescriptions.
From co-pay cards to help navigating insurance approvals, we’ll guide you to the right support. And if you’re eligible for our programs, we’ll help you get the Pfizer medicines you need.
You could help advance a breakthrough.
Clinical trials study the safety and efficacy of potential new medicines, including cancer treatments.
Living with cancer
Get a little inspiration.
Fear and over-analysis can lead to doing nothing. Don’t let fear stop you from moving forward.”
Marc
Actual patient with cancer
When I'm playing music, my mind is occupied with what I'm doing, so it can't be occupied with thinking about my cancer.”
Billy
Actual patient with cancer
Information to support you along the way.
Still have questions?
What are targeted therapies?
Targeted therapies are treatments that target the ways cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. One of the ways doctors determine if targeted therapies make sense in a treatment plan is through biomarker testing.
What can I do if I’m having trouble affording my medicine?
Managing treatment costs and paying for your medicine can be overwhelming. We’ve got resources on how to help manage costs and information on where you may be able to find financial support for Pfizer medications.
Can I still go to work if I’m getting cancer treatment?
About half of people living with cancer are at an age where they’re still working. If you’re one of them, you may be wondering about how to talk to your co-workers about what you’re going through, what you need, and your ability to do your job. We’ve got you covered.
Communicating what you need at work
Getting back to work after treatment
Are there communities and advocacy groups I can join?
There are advocacy support resources available for people affected by prostate cancer. These resources can help you connect with others, explore support programs, and find guidance throughout your experience.
Do race and ethnicity affect prostate cancer risk?
The outlook for a prostate cancer diagnosis is different among some racial and ethnic groups.
- Survival rates for Black men are worse than than those for White men, despite having similar diagnosis rates
- Hispanic men are underrepresented in clinical trials for prostate cancer treatments, leading to gaps in care for this group
- Environmental stress, including neighborhood disadvantage, contributes to potentially worse outcomes for Black men
When should I seek a second opinion?
Getting a second opinion is a common process that can give you peace of mind. You may want or need a second opinion because:
- You have a rare type of cancer and want to be sure of your diagnosis
- Your doctor gives you limited treatment options, and you think other treatments might be available at a different medical center
- Your doctor is not a specialist in your type of cancer
- Your doctor tells you there is uncertainty about your type or stage of cancer
- You’re having trouble understanding and communicating with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else
- You feel uncomfortable with your doctor and their ability to answer your questions or give you the time you need
- Your insurance company asks you to get another opinion before you start treatment
- You want to feel confident in your treatment plan