It's the second leading cause of cancer death in American men.
According to the American Cancer Society 1 out of 36 men will die from the disease, but prevention is key.
Benjamin Yudesis is proof there's life after prostate cancer.
"I could be a walking dead man right now if it wasn't for the physical examination," Yudesis said.
The Vietnam Veteran and San Benito Municipal Court Judge said his blood and urine analysis test came up negative.
However, it was during an actual physical screening his prostate cancer was found.
"They might as well face up to the fact they only way you're going to discover there's anything wrong is by physical examination,” Yudesis said.
Urologist Dr. Michael Finger said early detection for prostate cancer is key.
"The whole idea is to catch this before prostate becomes a disease that spreads elsewhere to the body," Dr. Finger said.
If prostate cancer runs in your family, men need to start getting screened by age 40.
"Some of the men are a little apprehensive about coming into their doctors to get screened for prostate cancer and probably more so here than I've seen in other areas of the country,” Dr. Finger said.
The doctor said the Rio Grande Valley has the latest technology available to help men get the treatment they need.
As for Yudesis, he opted for radiation treatment in Harlingen.
"As far as my prostate is concerned I would say right now I'm cancer free,” Yudesis said.
According to the American Cancer Society about one out of six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Meanwhile, more than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
A former NFL player from the Valley, Leo Araguz, will join six Valley physicians to encourage Valley men to protect their health through prostate cancer screenings.
The free event is Sept. 7th at 6:30 pm at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.
Click here to download a copy of the flyer
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT