Insights from Daniel Chong, MD, Medical Oncologist, Virginia Cancer Specialists
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight one of the most common cancers among men and to encourage conversations that could save lives. While having certain risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop prostate cancer, knowing what those factors are can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.
Age
Prostate cancer is very rare in men under 40, but the risk increases significantly as men get older. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, which is why regular check-ups and screenings become so important as the years go by – even if you feel perfectly healthy.¹
Race and Ethnicity
Race and ethnicity also play a role. African-American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, and their cancers can often be more aggressive. On the other hand, Asian American, Hispanic, and Latino men tend to have lower rates of prostate cancer. Recognizing these differences is important, since they can help guide decisions about when to begin screening and how often to check in with your doctor.²
Family History and Genetics
If your father, brother, or another close relative had prostate cancer, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age, your risk is higher. Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (also linked to breast and ovarian cancer), can raise prostate cancer risk as well. Another genetic condition, Lynch syndrome, is tied to a number of cancers, including prostate cancer. For men with a strong family history, genetic counseling and testing may be worth considering.³
Latest Advances in Treatment
The good news is that prostate cancer treatment is evolving rapidly, with more personalized options than ever before. One breakthrough has been the use of PSMA-targeted therapy, a precision treatment that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells. In 2025, the FDA expanded approval for Pluvicto® to be used before chemotherapy in certain men with advanced prostate cancer.⁴⁵
PARP inhibitors are also changing the treatment landscape. When combined with hormone therapies, these medications are effective for men with BRCA mutations or other DNA-repair gene changes. Examples include olaparib with abiraterone, talazoparib with enzalutamide, and niraparib with abiraterone.⁶⁷⁸
Research also shows that using three treatments upfront—hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and a newer androgen-receptor blocker—can improve survival for men with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer.⁹ And with advanced imaging such as PSMA PET scans, doctors can now detect prostate cancer earlier and more accurately than ever.¹⁰
“Understanding your personal risk is the first step,” says Dr. Chong. “When we detect prostate cancer early, men have more treatment options, and outcomes are far better.”
This September, take time to think about your health. If you’re over 50—or younger but have additional risk factors—schedule a visit with your primary care provider to talk about prostate cancer screening. And if you have questions about Prostate Cancer treatment, genetic counseling, or clinical trials, Virginia Cancer Specialists is here to help.
Speak with your primary care provider about your risks and options for early detection.
For more information, visit Virginia Cancer Specialists online at: www.virginiacancerspecialists.com or call 571.350.8400.
