Prostate cancer is currently the leading cancer diagnosis in men and those assigned male at birth. The American Cancer Society estimates that prostate cancer will account for 29% of all new diagnoses in 2024. A trend bolstered by the aging of our American population and the increasing incidence of cancer in people under age 50. About 11 percent of men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes. Read more facts about prostate cancer….
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder. It is as firm as the tip of your nose. It produces the seminal fluid that transports sperm and surrounds the urethra. Your urethra is the tube that travels from the bladder to your penis. When you develop prostate cancer, your prostate can squeeze your urethra leading to frequent urination or weak urine flow for example.
However, this is often a symptom of late stage cancer. Prostate cancer often does not present with any signs or symptoms until the tumor is large enough to put pressure on your prostate. Some of the signs to look out for are:
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to pee
• Difficulty starting urination
• Straining or taking a long time to pee
• Weak urine flow
• Urinary retention
• Blood in urine/semen
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Pain when sitting from an enlarged prostate
Age is considered the primary risk factor for prostate cancer. About 99% of diagnoses occur in people over the age of 50. Other factors such as race, family history and diet also play large role in your personal risk profile. For reasons that are still poorly understood, black men have a higher risk of developing and dying of prostate cancer. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer related to the BCRA1 and BCRA2 genes, then you might have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer as well. those who have a diet high in red meat and whole milk dairy products are also at higher risk of this particular cancer.
The only wrong thing is do nothing. Uncomfortable though it may be to talk to your doctor, being practical and proactive about prostate health is important for a long and healthy life. If any of the above factors apply to your personal medical history, the American Cancer Society recommends you start screening earlier. Those with a first degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 should start screening at 40, for example.
Prostate cancer screening occurs via two main tests: a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen blood test. During a digital rectal exam your doctor will check to see if your prostate is smooth and pliable or inflamed and hard. There are usually no risks to a rectal exam beyond momentary discomfort and the possible urge to urinate.
The prostate-specific antigen exam is a blood test that examines your PSA levels. PSA is a protein that helps liquefy semen and it is normal for some PSA to be in your bloodstream. Elevated PSA levels can indicate an inflamed or enlarged prostate as well as some forms of prostate cancer. Before a PSA test you should talk with your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking as some substances may interfere with your results. You may also be advised not to participate in activities such as bike or saddle riding, sexual activity and ejaculation as they can elevate PSA levels prior to the blood draw. The next steps depend on your results. Your doctor may recommend other diagnostic tests such as a transrectal ultrasound or biopsy to confirm their findings. The fact is we are all getting older. Assess your health risk profile and talk with your doctor about your concerns regarding prostate cancer screening. Early detection can only improve your chances of survival.
Sources:
American Association for Cancer Research, “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”
American Cancer Society, “Facts and Figures 2024”
The Harvard Gazette, “Dramatic rise in cancer in people under 50”
Healthline, “How is a prostate exam done”
Healthline, “Signs of prostate cancer”
National Institutes of Health, “Prostate Cancer”
