Prostate Cancer: Warning Signs, Tests & Prevention

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year. One in eight men will be diagnosed during their lifetimes. 

The encouraging news is that for most men who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, the outcome isn’t fatal. In fact, 3.3 million men in the US who have been told they have prostate cancer are still alive today. 

Understanding prostate cancer is your best defense. It’s important to know the symptoms and risk factors, along with the right screening schedule for you.

5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. It’s part of the male reproductive system and produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports semen during ejaculation. 

A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it could signal a benign condition called prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Or it can be a sign of prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, though, prostate cancer typically begins silently. In fact, most men with early-stage prostate cancer will have no symptoms at all. If the cancer progresses, warning signs can include: 

1. Changes in urination: Difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak dribble or interrupted flow, painful urination, or a frequent urgent need to go (especially at night).
2. Back, hip, or pelvic pain: Ongoing pain in these areas may mean the cancer has spread.
3. Blood in the urine or semen
4. Erectile dysfunction and/or painful ejaculation 
5. Rectal pain or pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your health care provider right away for further evaluation. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing prostate cancer, including:

• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age. Approximately 60% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
• Family history: Genetics play an important role. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, it more than doubles your risk. The risk increases even more for those with several family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age. 
• Race and ethnicity: African American men are statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races, along with developing more aggressive forms.
• Geography: Prostate cancer rates vary worldwide. Men in North America and Northern Europe have a higher rate of developing prostate cancer compared to those in Asia and Africa.

Prostate Cancer Screening

The top recommended test for detecting prostate cancer is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. This test looks for PSA in the blood, which is a protein that’s produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate. 

A PSA level under 4 ng/mL is considered normal. However, a higher level doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer because noncancerous conditions like BPH and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can also cause high PSA levels.

If your PSA level is high, your health care provider may follow up with further testing, such as a digital rectal exam, imaging studies, or a biopsy. 

When you begin to get screened depends on age and personal risk factors. The recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force is to begin between the ages of 55 and 69. 

Average-risk men should discuss screening starting around age 50. High-risk men—African Americans or those with a family history of prostate cancer—should consider screening as early as age 40.

Discuss your personal risk factors with your health care provider to come up with an appropriate screening schedule.

How to Avoid Prostate Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes may help to reduce your risk and improve your overall health.

• Eat a healthy diet: Reducing your consumption of red meat, sugar, and processed foods may reduce your prostate cancer risk. Instead, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. 
• Exercise: Getting regular physical activity can help you to maintain a healthy weight, which may reduce risk. 
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. 
• Limit alcohol and tobacco: Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco can contribute to overall health and may lower cancer risk.

Take Control of Your Health

Your Innovista Medical Center primary care provider can help you to determine your individual prostate cancer risk, along with the best screening schedule for you. We can also help you to stay aware of the warning signs and adopt a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk. 

Being proactive about your health is key to catching issues early and living a long, healthy life. We’re here to support you every step of the way!