At Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH), our Urology Clinic provides expert care for a wide range of urologic conditions affecting both men and women. Whether you are dealing with a common issue or a more complex condition, our dedicated team is here to offer personalized, compassionate care tailored to your needs.
Reviewed 6/6/2025
Prostate cancer: Myth or fact?
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 man in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Find out how much you know about this common cancer.
Myth or fact: Prostate cancer occurs only in older men.
Myth. It's true that age is one of the leading risk factors for prostate cancer. However, about 4 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men younger than age 65.
Myth or fact: Blood in the urine is an early sign of prostate cancer.
Myth. Prostate cancer usually doesn't cause any symptoms, especially in the early stage of the disease. Blood in the urine can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer, as can difficulty urinating; erectile dysfunction; or pain in the hips, back or chest.
Myth or fact: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in American men.
Fact. Compared with other cancers, only lung cancer causes more male deaths. Still, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don't die from it. And most who do are older than 75.
Myth or fact: All men should be screened for prostate cancer at age 50.
Myth. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says that men should have the opportunity to discuss with their doctor the benefits of screening between the ages of 55 and 69. The USPSTF recommends against screening for men 70 and older. The American Cancer Society encourages men to discuss their risk factors and the pros and cons of screening with their doctor at age 50 for men at average risk—but at age 40 or 45 for those at higher risk.
Myth or fact: The screening test for prostate cancer is called a PSA test.
Fact. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It's a substance made by the prostate. At high levels, it can indicate a problem—which could be infection, inflammation or maybe cancer. But the PSA test does not diagnose prostate cancer.
The PSA test isn't a perfect screening tool for prostate cancer. Before having the test, thoroughly review its risks and benefits with a doctor.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. "About Prostate Cancer." https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8793.00.pdf.
- American Cancer Society. "American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html.
- American Cancer Society. "Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/tests.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Cancer Statistics at a Glance." https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/#/AtAGlance.
- Prostate Cancer Foundation. "Prostate Cancer Symptoms." https://www.pcf.org/prostate-cancer-symptoms/.
- Prostate Cancer Foundation. "Understanding Prostate Cancer." https://www.pcf.org/patient-support/understanding-prostate-cancer/.
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. "Prostate Cancer: Screening." https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prostate-cancer-screening.
Expert Care From Experienced Urologists
Our experienced urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various urologic conditions, providing you with the highest quality care and advanced treatment options:
- Kidney stones: We offer comprehensive evaluation and management of kidney stones, utilizing both non-invasive and surgical techniques to alleviate pain and prevent future occurrences.
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH): For men experiencing symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination or difficulty starting urination, we provide effective treatments to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Erectile dysfunction: Our clinic offers medical and surgical solutions for erectile dysfunction to help restore confidence and enhance your sexual health.
- Interstitial cystitis: We specialize in diagnosing and managing interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition causing bladder pain and discomfort, with a range of treatment strategies to improve your daily living.
- Prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancers: Our urologists provide expert care in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of urologic cancers, offering personalized treatment plans and support throughout your journey.
- Urinary obstruction: We address urinary obstruction issues with precision, using advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques to restore normal urinary function.
- Vasectomy: For men seeking a permanent form of birth control, our urologists offer safe and effective vasectomy procedures with minimal recovery time.
Why Choose GRH?
At GRH, our Urology Clinic stands out for its commitment to patient-centered care. Our team of highly skilled urologists combines extensive experience with the latest advancements in urologic medicine to provide exceptional care. We emphasize clear communication, compassionate support and individualized treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Convenient and Accessible Care
We understand the importance of timely and accessible care. Our clinic operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our on-call staff is available after hours for urgent needs.