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Understanding Prostate Cancer

The risk factors, symptoms, screening options and treatments

Movember is an annual movement that takes place every November, encouraging men around the world to grow moustaches to raise awareness about key men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including:

  1. Age: Prostate cancer risk increases as men age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men over 50.
  2. Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk.
  3. Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
  4. Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in red meat may increase the risk.
  5. Geography: Men living in certain parts of the world are more likely to be diagnosed.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms. However, as it progresses, men may experience:

  • Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.
  • Frequent urination, especially at night.
  • Blood in urine or semen.
  • Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis.

Because symptoms may not appear until the cancer is more advanced, regular screenings are essential for early detection.

The Importance of Screening for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer screening aims to detect the disease at an early stage when treatment is most effective. The primary screening methods include:

  1. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, though they can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Regular PSA testing helps identify abnormal levels and track changes over time.
  2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A healthcare provider manually examines the prostate by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities in the gland’s size, shape, or texture. This is not as uncomfortable or scary as it may seem.

Benefits of Early Screening

  1. Early Detection: Screening can identify prostate cancer before it causes symptoms. Early detection allows for treatment options that are less invasive and more effective, leading to better outcomes.
  2. Better Prognosis: When prostate cancer is found in the early stages, it is often confined to the prostate and can be treated successfully, with a high survival rate.
  3. Informed Decision-Making: Regular screenings give men more information to make decisions about their health. If prostate cancer is detected, they can explore treatment options, such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, or active surveillance (monitoring without immediate treatment).

Who Should Get Screened?

  • Men aged 50 and older: It is generally recommended that men start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor around the age of 50.
  • Higher-risk individuals: Men with a family history of prostate cancer or those of African American descent should consider starting screenings earlier, often at age 40 or 45.
  • Shared decision-making: Because PSA testing is not perfect and can lead to false positives or unnecessary treatments, men should have an informed discussion with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of screening based on their personal risk factors.