For many men, the prospect of prostate cancer is a daunting reality—1 in 8 will face this diagnosis. However, there’s a silver lining: the majority will not die from it, thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment.
Understanding when to start screenings and recognizing the risk factors is crucial. Whether you’re approaching 40 or already past 50, knowing your risks and the right time to begin screening can significantly impact your quality of life.
Prostate Cancer Essentials
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland which is part of the reproductive system in males. It affects 1 in 8 men and is the second most common type of cancer found in men, behind skin cancer.
6 out of 10 men aged 65 and older will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Despite those high odds, however, most men will not die from prostate cancer even with a diagnosis.
The most successful treatment of prostate cancer is when it’s detected early and still confined to the prostate. While prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer), 1 in 44 men will die from it, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will continue to live with the diagnosis. So like all cancers, it’s important to find it early.
When Should You Start Getting Screened for Prostate Cancer?
It is rare for a male under 40 to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, however if you have increased risk factors it is important to get screened early.
Risk factors that require earlier screening include having a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, or if you are a male of Caribbean African ancestry or an African American.
Most prostate cancer grows slowly, if you do not have prostate symptoms such as urinary problems, blood your urine and/or semen, bone pain and/or erectile dysfunction and have less than a 10 year life expectancy at the time of considering testing, it is recommended to forgo testing as you will not benefit from screening. This is an important discussion to have with your medical health provider and discussed during your next appointment if you have questions if you should be screened.
Your Primary Care Doctor (PCP) will assess your risk factors for prostate cancer and make recommendations on when you should begin screening. If you do not have risk factors that increase your risk of prostate cancer, It is recommended to have your first test begin at age 40, then 45 and then annually starting at age 50.
The Basics of Prostate Screening
Prostate screening may be done annually during your preventative care visit. Two tests that are commonly done to screen for prostate cancer are a blood test for the prostate cancer antigen and/or a digital rectal exam.
Testing with a blood test for the prostate specific antigen is commonly referred to as PSA.
A higher PSA level can indicate there is a problem with your prostate. But many factors can influence this elevation besides cancer such as age, recent medical procedures, medications, an enlarged prostate or a prostate infection.
It is best to discuss your results with your medical provider so that the root cause of your elevated number can be determined and additional testing can be performed if needed.
A digital rectal exam may also be used to screen for prostate cancer. However, there is increasing data that suggests it should not be used in a primary care setting to screen for prostate cancer due to reduced diagnostic accuracy.
Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer
There are a lot of benefits that come from dietary and lifestyle interventions to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Research suggests that a plant based Mediterranean diet can reduce your cancer risk as well as your risk of osteopenia, hot flashes, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure and heart disease.
For more on how to increase your cancer prevention, individualized lab testing and supplementation, or if you become diagnosed with prostate cancer, schedule an initial appointment with Dr. McMurry here »
