Authored by Kyle Golden (September 13, 2023)

Hey guys, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which means it’s time to raise awareness about the importance and health benefits of early detection and prostate cancer prevention. During this month, various organizations and healthcare providers offer free screening events and educational resources to help men learn about their risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options along with how to help prevent prostate cancer.

By promoting awareness, along with prevention and encouraging men to get regular prostate screenings, we can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this treatable disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, which is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It is usually a slow-growing cancer and may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, with almost 250,000 new cases in the United States in 2021 and nearly 290,000 are expected in 2023. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among men, with an estimated 34,000 deaths in the United States in 2021.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not yet fully understood. The primary known risk factors include age, family history, and race. Men over the age of 50 are at a higher average risk and this risk increases with age.

Men with a family history of prostate cancer, particularly a father or brother with the disease, are also at a higher risk. African American men have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer than men of other races. Other potential factors include a diet high in red meat and dairy products and a sedentary lifestyle.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Early-stage prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. This makes it important to get regular prostate screenings to detect prostate cancer in its early stages.

Some common symptoms of prostate cancer include: difficulty urinating, frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, blood in the urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Treatment Options?

A guy who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss all possible treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for each individual case.

There are several treatment options, including:

Watchful waiting or active surveillance: Monitoring the cancer and delaying treatment until it progresses.
Surgery: Removing the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Blocking the production of testosterone, which can help slow the growth of the cancer.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.

The choice of treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and health status, and the potential side effects of the treatment.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Though the exact causes of prostate cancer are not yet fully understood, there are known factors that can help prevent the chances of developing prostate cancer. Age, family history, and race are primary factors that could indicate increased risk. These can not be prevented or changed, however, there are many factors a guy can control to help with risk reduction. Many of the prostate cancer prevention recommendations are similar to other cancers and health problems.

10 Ways to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer

Eat a healthy diet that is low in red meat and high in fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean protein.
Engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking and stop other tobacco products.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Consider the possible benefits of getting more vitamin D.
Take steps to manage stress like meditation and gardening.
Get regular prostate screenings starting at age 50
Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking aspirin or other medications and supplements to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Consider getting genetic testing if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
Stay informed about the latest research and guidelines related to prostate cancer prevention and treatment.

What Are Prostate Screening Tests?

There are two primary screening tests for prostate cancer: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA test measures the levels of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. However, elevated PSA levels can also be caused by other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection.

The DRE involves a doctor or healthcare provider inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities in the prostate gland. Both tests are recommended for men starting at age 50, or earlier if they have increased prostate cancer risk factors. If either test indicates a potential problem, further testing such as a biopsy to detect cancer cells may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis.

There is Good News!

While this cancer is a serious disease, the good news is that there are several effective treatment options available. The survival chances for prostate cancer are generally high, especially when detected early. The five-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate is nearly 100%.

There are many possible ways to help prevent prostate cancer, such as maintaining a healthy diet and healthy weight, increasing physical activity, and getting regular screenings. By staying informed about the latest research and guidelines related to prostate cancer prevention and treatment, men can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer and improve their chances of survival if diagnosed with the disease.

(Consider this article as general information on health, fitness, and lifestyle. Always consult your physician or health care provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. This article should not be considered advice or a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified health care provider.)

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month