Prostate Cancer FAQ – Answers to the Most Common Questions
Prostate cancer raises a lot of questions — especially because it often develops silently. Whether you're newly diagnosed, concerned about your risk, or simply curious, this FAQ aims to answer the most frequently searched and asked questions about prostate cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease where cells in the prostate gland (a small organ under the bladder in men) begin to grow uncontrollably. Some types are slow-growing and harmless, while others are aggressive and can spread to other organs.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in many countries. In Sweden, over 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Globally, it affects 1 in 8 men at some point during their lifetime.
What are the early signs of prostate cancer?
In early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include:
Difficulty urinating
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Frequent urination (especially at night)
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH.
At what age should I get tested for prostate cancer?
Age 50+: Consider starting regular testing.
Age 45+: If you have a family history or are at higher risk (e.g., African ancestry).
At any age: If you have symptoms or concerns, consult your doctor.
What is the PSA test?
The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. High levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by other conditions like infection or enlargement.
Is PSA testing reliable?
PSA testing can help detect cancer early but has limitations:
May give false positives
May detect low-risk cancers that don’t need treatment
Doesn’t always catch aggressive cancers
What is the Stockholm3 test?
Stockholm3 is an advanced blood test that combines:
Five blood-based biomarkers
Genetic risk variants
Clinical data (age, family history, etc.)
It gives a personalized risk score and detects more aggressive cancers while reducing unnecessary biopsies.
What causes prostate cancer?
The exact cause is unclear, but factors include:
Age (risk increases after 50)
Genetics and family history
Hormonal changes
Diet and obesity
Ethnic background (higher risk among African ancestry)
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Yes, prostate cancer can run in families. Having a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer doubles your risk. Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1/2 can also increase risk.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
The diagnostic process typically involves:
PSA or Stockholm3 test
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
MRI scan
Biopsy (tissue sample from the prostate)
Only a biopsy can confirm cancer.
What is a Gleason score?
The Gleason score is a grading system used to measure how aggressive the cancer is. It ranges from 6 (low risk) to 10 (high risk) based on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope.
What are the stages of prostate cancer?
Staging is based on how far the cancer has spread:
Stage I–II: Localized, low to intermediate risk
Stage III: Locally advanced
Stage IV: Spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage, grade, and your overall health. Options include:
Active surveillance (watchful waiting)
Surgery (prostatectomy)
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy (for advanced cases)
Does prostate cancer always need treatment?
No. Many cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and may not need immediate treatment. These are often managed with active surveillance, involving regular PSA testing, MRIs, and biopsies.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
Yes, especially if caught early. Localized prostate cancer (confined to the gland) has a 5-year survival rate close to 100%. Advanced cancer is harder to treat but still manageable with newer therapies.
What are the side effects of treatment?
Side effects vary by treatment but may include:
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Fatigue
Hot flashes (from hormone therapy)
Most men recover or manage side effects with support and therapy.
Can I live a normal life after prostate cancer?
Yes. Many men go on to live long, healthy lives — especially if the cancer is detected early. Lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and emotional support play an important role in recovery.
How can I lower my risk of prostate cancer?
While some factors can’t be changed (like age or family history), you can reduce your risk by:
Eating more vegetables and less red meat
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking
Limiting alcohol
Considering early testing if you're at risk
Is prostate cancer painful?
Not usually in the early stages. If cancer spreads to bones or other organs, it can cause pain, particularly in the hips, back, or pelvis.
Can women get prostate cancer?
No. Only people with a prostate gland — typically biological males — can develop prostate cancer.
Does frequent ejaculation reduce prostate cancer risk?
Some studies suggest that frequent ejaculation (21+ times per month) may be associated with a slightly reduced risk of prostate cancer, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Where does prostate cancer spread first?
Prostate cancer usually spreads first to:
Nearby lymph nodes
Bones, especially the spine, pelvis, and hips
Lungs or liver in advanced cases
How fast does prostate cancer grow?
That depends on the type:
Low-risk cancer can grow slowly over decades.
High-grade cancers can grow and spread in months.
This is why proper risk assessment and diagnosis are essential.
Can I still have sex after treatment?
Yes, but it may take time. Treatments like surgery or radiation can affect erections, but many men regain function with:
Medication (e.g., sildenafil)
Devices or therapy
Pelvic floor exercises
How do I book a Stockholm3 test?
In Sweden and several other countries, Stockholm3 is available through:
Regional health services
Private urology clinics
Specialized cancer centers
Talk to your doctor or visit Stockholm3.com to learn more.
How much does the Stockholm3 test cost?
Cost depends on your location and whether the test is publicly funded or paid privately. In Sweden, some regions offer it as part of public healthcare; in others, it’s available via private clinics.