Regular prostate cancer screening and testing help men get the treatment they need before cancer progresses. When it comes to men and prostate cancer, early detection is key. This cancer is highly treatable when it’s caught in the early stages, but misinformation prevents men from receiving lifesaving diagnoses.
Prostate cancer is a disease that develops in the male reproductive system. This type of cancer grows in the walnut-sized gland known as the prostate, and it can go undetected without the proper screening. Prostate cancer is treatable, but early detection is crucial for the best chances of survival and maintaining a high quality of life after diagnosis.
Common myths about prostate cancer can affect how you take care of yourself and prevent you from receiving lifesaving treatment. It’s important to understand the following misconceptions about prostate cancer so you can be proactive about your health.
Several factors can increase the chances of developing prostate cancer. It’s important to be mindful of these potential risks and how they can make you more susceptible:
Proactive health measures, such as genetic testing, regular screening, and a healthy lifestyle, are vital for prevention.
It is rare for a man under 50 to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it is possible in high-risk individuals. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at different ages based on the following risk levels:
The average age of prostate cancer diagnosis is 67, but early screening is vital if you have any risk factors and want to be proactive about your health. If you have a low to average risk, your provider may recommend screening every two to four years, but more frequent testing may be offered if you are at a higher risk.
One of the main reasons early detection screenings are crucial is that prostate cancer is often asymptomatic until it progresses. You’re not likely to feel a lump or any pain in the disease’s early stages, so it can go undetected for a significant period. Symptoms may only arise when the prostate gland swells as the cancer spreads beyond it.
As mentioned, prostate cancer doesn’t typically cause symptoms until later stages. Urinary complications can signal prostate cancer, but they can also indicate conditions like prostate inflammation, urinary tract infections, or noncancerous prostate gland enlargement. The following symptoms do not confirm the presence of prostate cancer, but they can occur:
While biopsies are common, they are not always necessary for a prostate cancer diagnosis. In some cases, providers can use the following tests to determine if a biopsy is necessary:
A PSA test is a highly valuable prostate cancer screening tool. It’s not a specific test, which means that a high PSA level can also indicate conditions other than cancer, such as inflammation and noncancerous prostate growth. However, detecting high PSA levels can help doctors determine if further prostate cancer testing is necessary.
Providers can also use the PSA test to monitor cancer progression in individuals already diagnosed with prostate cancer.
While some cases of prostate cancer grow slowly and don’t require treatment, the benefits of screening outweigh the risk of overdiagnosis. If an initial screening indicates the presence of cancer, a doctor can use additional tests to determine if you have a more aggressive cancer that requires treatment. It’s better to be proactive than to risk cancer going undetected.
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact your health and help you lower your risk of prostate cancer. You can take the following precautions to help prevent cancer:
While diet doesn’t guarantee anything, it can play a significant role in your risk of developing prostate cancer and how far it can progress. Healthy food can help prevent prostate cancer, so it’s important to maintain a diet high in the following foods:
It’s also important to avoid or limit the following foods and beverages that can increase the risk of cancer:
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when addressed early. The Oncology Institute offers world-class cancer care, including a clinical trials program and outpatient infusions. We use innovative, state-of-the-art treatment approaches to give each patient the best chances at survival. Learn more about The Oncology Institute, and talk to your primary care provider about seeking treatment from our compassionate team.
