Detect prostate cancer early: a screening could save your life

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. men next to skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, with it affecting one in eight men. Although it's the second-leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men, almost all men survive prostate cancer when the disease is detected early, highlighting the power of screenings.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer forms when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably and become abnormal. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It's about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of semen.

What causes prostate cancer?

While we don't know exactly what causes prostate cancer, we do know that risk factors include:

• Age 65+: More than 65 percent of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men ages 65 and older
• Race: African American men are 60 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men
• Family history: Having a relative who had prostate cancer can increase your risk
• Obesity

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer, particularly in early stages, often has no symptoms. But according to the American Cancer Society, symptoms can include:

• Trouble urinating (slow, weak, or uncontrollable stream) or more frequent urination
• Bloody urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hip, back, and chest pain (when the cancer spreads to bones)
• Weak or numb legs or feet (when the cancer spreads and presses on the spinal cord)
• Weight loss
• Feeling tired

When to get a prostate cancer screening

Screenings can reduce chances of death from prostate cancer by catching the disease early, when it's highly treatable. But since people have different risk factors, family histories, and lifestyle habits, recommendations for when to start prostate cancer screenings, and how often to get them, can vary from person to person.

While some general guidelines recommend starting screening at age 50 for those with average risk and age 40 for those with a family history of prostate cancer, individuals should talk to their doctor about what's right for them. The age and frequency at which men should get screened should be determined by a conversation between the patient and their provider.

Types of prostate cancer screenings

Typically, your doctor will use one or two initial tests to screen for prostate cancer. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the most common, and occasionally, a digital rectal exam may be used.

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA could suggest prostate cancer, but PSA can also be elevated for less serious causes, like prostate enlargement or infection. Because of this, additional testing may be needed with PSA tests to diagnose cancer.

To perform a digital rectal exam, a doctor uses a gloved finger, inserted a few inches into the rectum, to feel the prostate for abnormalities.

Based on the results of these screening tests, more sophisticated blood, urine, and imaging tests may be needed under the care of a specialist.

Preventing prostate cancer

While there are factors that affect your prostate health that you cannot change, like age, race, and family history, you can maintain a healthy weight and diet. Getting regular physical activity and eating a healthy, high-fiber, low-fat diet that's largely plant-based can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatment

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s cancer center and Montage Medical Group’s urology team provide prostate cancer care that prioritizes safety and quality. Expect to play an active role in your care and receive personalized support for your entire well-being.

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