Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Man Should Know

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common cancers in men. Prostate cancer affects about 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, and risk rises with age. Early detection and advanced treatment options are improving survival and quality of life, making awareness and regular screenings more important than ever.

Who’s at Risk?

• Most common in men over 50.

• African American men and those with a family history face higher risk.

• Lifestyle factors such as diet and obesity may also increase risk.

Signs and Symptoms

In early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When they do occur, they may include:

• Trouble starting or stopping urination

• Weak or interrupted urine flow

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in hips, back, or chest (if cancer spreads)

It’s important to note these symptoms can also be linked to non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate.

How Prostate Cancer Is Detected

Early detection saves lives. Common screening and diagnostic tools include:

• PSA blood test – measures prostate-specific antigen levels, often elevated in prostate cancer.

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – a physical check for irregularities.

• Imaging and biopsy – MRI, ultrasound, or PET scans help identify suspicious areas before biopsy.

Advanced Imaging at TRA

At TRA Medical Imaging, we offer PSMA PET/CT scans, the most advanced imaging tool for detecting prostate cancer.

Why PSMA PET/CT Matters

Prostate cancer can be hard to spot, especially in its early stages or when it comes back after treatment. That’s where PSMA PET/CT makes a big difference:

• Finds cancer earlier
  This scan can detect prostate cancer even when PSA levels are very low, sometimes catching problems before other scans would show anything.
• Gives a clearer picture
  PSMA PET/CT is much more accurate than traditional CT or bone scans. It helps doctors see whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or bones, which is important for choosing the right treatment.
• Helps guide treatment
  Because the scan is so precise, it often changes how doctors treat the cancer—sometimes avoiding unnecessary treatments or pointing to better options.
• Linked to better outcomes
  Studies show that men who had a PSMA PET/CT before starting treatment lived longer and had fewer recurrences compared to men who only had traditional imaging.

What to Expect at TRA

1. Tracer injection – You’ll receive a radiopharmaceutical that highlights cancer cells.

2. Scan process – A painless 30–40 minute outpatient scan.

3. Results review – Detailed images help your doctor plan the right treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer stage and patient health. Options include:

• Active surveillance – close monitoring for slow-growing cancer.

• Surgery – prostate removal.

• Radiation therapy – external or internal radiation to target cancer.

• Hormone therapy – reducing testosterone that fuels growth.

• Chemotherapy – for advanced disease.

• Theranostics – pairing imaging and therapy for targeted treatment.

Theranostic Treatments at TRA

TRA is one of the few centers in the region offering theranostic treatments for prostate cancer. These combine precise imaging with equally precise therapy:

• Lutetium-177 PSMA (Pluvicto): Targets prostate cancer cells directly, delivered via infusion every six weeks (up to six cycles). Most patients go home the same day.

• Radium-223: Used when cancer has spread to bones, improving survival and reducing pain.

• Emerging therapies: New agents like Actinium-225 PSMA-617 are in trials and may help when other options fail.

What Patients Can Expect

• Consultation – Review of your history, PSA levels, and eligibility.

• Therapy day – Quick infusion with observation, then home the same day.

• Follow-up – Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to your care plan.

The Bottom Line

Prostate cancer is common, but with advanced tools like PSMA PET/CT imaging and theranostic treatments available at TRA, men in our community have access to some of the most precise and effective options anywhere.

If you’re over 50—or younger with risk factors—talk to your doctor about screening. And if you’re facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, know that TRA is here with the latest imaging and treatment options to help you through every step.