Be Proactive and Prioritize Your Prostate Health

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the United States and is a disease that one in eight men will be diagnosed with during their lifetime. While there are no early signs and symptoms for prostate cancer, screening and detection of prostate cancer is crucial and can save lives.

Screening for prostate cancer typically begins at age 45-50. However, it may be recommended that you start testing earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer or other cancers or if you are African American. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are four times more likely to be diagnosed, and African American men are almost 75% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.

Routine screening for prostate cancer is simple. Measuring prostate-specific antigen, or PSA for short, is the primary diagnostic tool of choice for prostate cancer detection, and it is performed in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE). A high level of PSA does not necessarily mean prostate cancer, but it could mean that you are at a higher risk. Additional tests may be ordered depending on the results of the screening tests.

Even though prostate cancer may not show symptoms for years, you should watch for the following warning signs and seek medical attention for them:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Trouble starting or holding back urination
• A weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

There are a wide range of effective management strategies for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Each is designed to meet the patient’s specific needs and manage side effects while preserving the prostate’s function.

These treatments may include:

• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Active surveillance
• Surgery

Diet and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. It is recommended that you:

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory and plant-based diet (reduce intake of red meat, sugar, processed foods, and dairy)
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation
• Avoid over-the-counter supplements and vitamins

With improved treatment options and the effectiveness of early diagnosis, men now have a better chance of enjoying a good quality of life after surviving prostate cancer. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary right away, and regular follow-ups may be recommended to monitor progression.

Talk to your Kelsey-Seybold provider about whether you should be screened for prostate cancer.