Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society projects that in 2023:
- About 288,300 men will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- About 34,700 men will die from the disease.
One dangerous aspect of prostate cancer is that it’s “silent.” Unlike other cancers that produce symptoms, prostate cancer remains hidden. The majority of the time, doctors detect it via blood labs. The cancer may grow to advanced stages if men don’t undergo that specific blood test.
What Is the Blood Test Men Need to Get?
The PSA blood test (prostate-specific antigen) has existed since the 1980s. It’s not a perfect test to detect prostate cancer, leading to controversy surrounding its use. In some cases, results are misleading. The problem with this is that doctors often use those results in their decision to recommend a biopsy.
For example, PSA levels may be out of normal range based on a person’s age, for a variety of reasons. Doctors need to interpret the test very carefully. One of the major problems with PSA over the decades has been an excessive use of biopsies. While side effects from biopsies are rare, there is always a chance for a negative reaction from the procedure.
The American Urologic Association advises men between ages 55 and 69 to have a discussion with their doctor about having the PSA test done. Newer tests are also emerging, including urine-based tests and non-PSA blood tests.
What If a Biopsy Indicates Cancer Is Present?
With most cancer diagnoses, individuals immediately take action. That isn’t always the case with prostate cancer. Physicians may recommend “active surveillance.” This means they monitor the cancer’s progression without treatment.
Helping in treatment decision-making is the evolution of genetic testing. A gene analysis of biopsied tissue may reveal a low risk of the cancer progressing to a dangerous state. Of course, patients should weigh the pros and cons—taking into account their doctor’s recommendations. Should they decide to proceed with treatment, there are different options. Surgical removal, radiation, and cryosurgery are three of the most common.
Cryosurgery is often a desirable choice because it is less invasive than traditional surgery. Essentially, the cancer areas are “frozen” to kill the cells. Recently, another procedure received FDA approval in the United States—high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This involves placing an ultrasound probe into the rectum to heat and destroy the cancer cells.
These procedures minimize common side effects of traditional surgery, such as urine leakage and erectile dysfunction.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Many disease states have unmodifiable risk factors. No one can alter their age, ethnicity, or genetic predisposition. With prostate cancer risk:
- The African American population is twice as likely to die from the disease compared to any other racial group in the U.S.
- Anyone who has a first-degree relative with prostate cancer is at a 30% higher risk of developing it.
One risk factor that is under one’s control is diet. Across the world, countries that avoid the standard American diet have a 25-times reduced occurrence of prostate cancer. Research has shown that fried fatty foods, higher meat consumption, and lower fruit and vegetable intake are associated with higher rates of prostate cancer.
Experts recommend maintaining a healthy diet throughout one’s life. Yet, a man with prostate cancer can take dietary steps to slow cancer growth. For example, removing meat, dairy and added sugar. Sugar stimulates insulin-like growth factor, which then stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor. That’s like putting lighter fluid on the coals of cancer cells. It stimulates their growth. By removing red and processed meats, dairy, and sugar, men can actually suppress the biology of those cells. Following the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet is ideal.
Next Steps
Men concerned about prostate cancer risk or those who are currently navigating a cancer diagnosis have a perfect resource: a urology specialist. Urologists have extensive knowledge about prostate cancer and its risks.
Listen to a Podcast
Men who are entering their mid-50s need to be aware of prostate cancer’s potential. While PSA is a standard test to detect cancer, it does have pros and cons. In this Live Greater podcast episode, we visited with Dr. David Levy, Urologist at UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Urology. Dr. Levy shared information on the PSA test, prostate cancer risk factors, and treatment options.
Learn more about nutrition and prostate cancer in a podcast with Dr. Levy from “The Modern Urologist.”
More to Read
- What You Should Know About Genetic Testing for Cancer
- Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
- The Importance of Urology Health
- How to Spot the Signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
Medically reviewed by David Levy, MD.
