Prostate Cancer Symptoms: What Joe Biden’s Diagnosis Means for Men Over 40

When a U.S. president is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it grabs the nation’s attention—and understandably so. Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis is a reminder that prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate. It’s the second most common cancer in American men, and if you’re over 40, now’s the time to get serious about screening, prevention, and prostate cancer symptoms.

Whether you’ve been putting off your yearly check-up or just aren’t sure what the signs look like, we’re sharing everything you need to know to stay ahead of your prostate health. On a recent episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, we sat down with Dr. David Yablonsky for an in-depth conversation about President Joe Biden’s stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis. 

Listen to the full episode below, then keep reading for more on prostate cancer symptoms, when to get tested, and how to reduce your risk. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/35oVo1I14DapvEKjnzJlhR?si=pXSaTTe0RpOZVJl9XdCWcg

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder and plays a key role in male fertility by producing seminal fluid. Like any part of the body, it can develop cancer cells, and when they multiply out of control, that’s when we have a problem.

Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing, which means there’s often time to catch it early and treat it. But not always—and that’s why early detection is key. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. For men over 40, especially those with a family history or African American men, the risk climbs even higher.

What many men don’t realize is that metastatic prostate cancer often develops silently over years. That means it can be growing (without any symptoms) for a long time before it’s caught. Routine screening is one of the best tools we have to catch it early.

What Are the Prostate Cancer Symptoms to Watch For?

Many men with early-stage prostate cancer don’t notice any symptoms at all. That’s why regular testing is so important. But when symptoms do show up, they can look like other, less serious issues—so don’t brush them off.

Here are some prostate cancer symptoms to watch for:

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
• Erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual performance

If something feels off, don’t ignore it. It’s better to get it checked and know what you’re dealing with than to wait until it’s too late to effectively treat the problem.

When Should Men Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?

You don’t have to wait for symptoms to start before you get tested. In fact, you shouldn’t. Prostate cancer is most treatable when it’s caught early, which is why screening matters, even if you feel fine.

So, when should you start testing for prostate cancer? For most men, age 50 is when routine screening begins. But if you’re at higher risk (family history, African American descent, or prior abnormal PSA results), it’s smart to start closer to age 40-45.

The two main tests for prostate cancer are:

• PSA blood test – measures prostate-specific antigen levels
• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – your provider checks for irregularities in the prostate

Neither test is perfect, but together, they provide a good picture of what’s going on and whether further testing is needed. Joe Biden hadn’t had a PSA test since 2014, which highlights the real consequences of skipping routine screenings. 

Guidelines may suggest PSA testing isn’t necessary after age 70, but many experts, including Dr. David Yablonsky, argue that these recommendations don’t apply universally—especially to healthy, high-functioning older men.

What Happens If Your PSA Is High?

Getting a high PSA result can feel like a punch to the gut, but don’t panic right away. A high number doesn’t always mean you have cancer. PSA levels can go up for a bunch of reasons: infection, inflammation (such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, aka BPH), and even recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise.

If your PSA is elevated, the next step is usually to retest and monitor for changes. Depending on your levels, your healthcare provider might recommend:

• A repeat PSA test in a few weeks
• A 4Kscore test, a more sensitive blood test that helps assess your risk of prostate cancer
• Prostate MRI for better imaging
• Biopsy to confirm if cancer is present
• Gleason score to assess how aggressive the cancer may be

Stages of Prostate Cancer: What Do They Mean?

No two prostate cancer diagnoses are exactly the same, and that’s why both staging and grading matter.

Staging tells us how far the cancer has spread in the body. It looks at the size of the tumor, whether it’s still contained within the prostate, and if it’s moved into nearby tissues or beyond.

Grading, on the other hand, assesses how aggressive the cancer cells appear under a microscope. In prostate cancer, this is done using the Gleason score, which ranges from 6 to 10 based on the two most common cell patterns found in a biopsy. 

A lower Gleason score (6 or below) suggests slower-growing cancer. Higher scores (8–10) mean the cancer is more aggressive and faster-growing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of prostate cancer stages:

• Stage I: Cancer is small and contained within the prostate. Often slow-growing.
• Stage II: Still within the prostate but may involve both sides or be more aggressive.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other parts of the body.

The earlier it’s caught, the better the outlook, and the more options you have.

What Are the Prostate Cancer Treatment Options?

Getting a diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re heading into surgery tomorrow. Many men with early-stage prostate cancer don’t need immediate treatment—they just need monitoring. But for others, a more active approach makes sense. 

Here’s a look at the most common prostate cancer treatment options:

• Active surveillance – Regular PSA tests and scans for slow-growing cancer.
• Surgery (prostatectomy) – Removal of the prostate, often for localized cancers.
• Radiation therapy – Targets and destroys cancer cells with precision.
• Hormone therapy – Lowers testosterone to slow cancer growth.
• Advanced therapies – Including immunotherapy or clinical trials for aggressive cases.

In cases where the cancer has already spread, like President Biden’s, hormone therapy is often used to slow its growth in what we call androgen deprivation therapy. Some cancers respond well to this, which is what doctors call 'hormone sensitive' prostate cancer, but that label isn’t given right away. 

As Dr. Yablonsky explains on the podcast, it’s only confirmed after treatment starts and PSA levels drop significantly. That distinction matters, especially when talking about how long the cancer may have been developing before diagnosis.

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer?

While you can’t change your genetics, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your prostate and your overall health. A few simple lifestyle shifts can go a long way in lowering your risk.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps lower chronic inflammation and reduces the risk of obesity—both major contributors to several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Staying active also supports healthy hormone levels, like testosterone. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods. Nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, wild-caught fish, berries, olive oil, and nuts support immune function and help your body fight oxidative stress. These foods also promote a healthier gut and hormonal balance.

• Limit red meat and processed foods. Studies have linked high intake of processed meats and excess red meat to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Swap them out when you can for lean proteins, whole grains, and plant-based foods.

• Stay at a healthy weight. Carrying extra fat, especially around the belly, can lead to hormone imbalances and higher levels of inflammation. Obesity is a known risk factor for both developing and progressing prostate cancer.

• Get routine testing. Routine PSA testing and prostate exams are your best tools for catching prostate cancer early, before symptoms ever show up. Talk to your provider about when to start and how often to screen based on your risk level.

• Consider targeted supplements. Certain nutrients like zinc, selenium, and saw palmetto may support prostate health, but they haven’t been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk. Focus on supplements that help lower inflammation, support immune function, and provide antioxidant benefits. Always work with your provider to determine what your body truly needs.

Questions Our Patients Ask About Prostate Cancer

What Age Should You Start Checking for Prostate Cancer?

It’s standard to begin prostate cancer screening around age 50, but if you have a family history or you're African American, it’s better to start the conversation at 40-45. Early testing helps catch issues before they become serious and gives you more options if treatment is needed.

Does Prostate Cancer Always Have Symptoms?

No, many early-stage cases have no noticeable symptoms at all. That’s why regular screening is so important. Don’t wait until something feels off to get checked; by then, the cancer could already be more advanced.

Is a High PSA Always Cancer?

Not necessarily. Elevated PSA levels can be caused by things like infection, an enlarged prostate, or even recent exercise. It’s a sign to investigate further—not a diagnosis on its own. A follow-up with imaging or biopsy helps clarify next steps.

What Foods Help Fight Prostate Cancer?

A diet high in anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods may help reduce your risk. Focus on vegetables like broccoli and spinach, fruits like berries and tomatoes, and healthy fats like olive oil and salmon. Limit processed foods where you can.

Can Testosterone Therapy Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?

The idea that testosterone therapy causes prostate cancer isn’t supported by current research. If you don’t have prostate cancer, TRT does not increase your risk of developing it. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer and require androgen deprivation therapy, testosterone replacement is not an option. Like most things in medicine, it’s a nuanced conversation—so it’s important to work with a provider who understands the full picture.

Don’t Wait For Problems—Take Charge of Your Health Today

Joe Biden’s diagnosis is a reminder that prostate cancer is real and can happen to anyone, but it’s also one of the most treatable when caught early. The key is staying informed, recognizing your risk factors, and making choices now that support your long-term health.

At Victory Men’s Health, we help men optimize their hormones and strengthen their bodies so they can stay ahead of conditions like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. From advanced lab testing to targeted supplement plans and science-backed therapies, our team is here to help you feel your best and protect your health for the future.

Contact us today to book your consultation and build a proactive plan that works for you.