Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Screening and Prevention
mark ogujiuba Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Screening and Prevention
Prostate cancer is one of the major health issues that men should understand, especially as they grow older.
It occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate start to grow without control. Some prostate cancers progress slowly and may never cause any serious issues, whereas others can be more aggressive and spread outside the prostate.
In 2024 prostate cancer was the second most diagnosed type of cancer among men all over the world, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with more than 1.5 million new cases being reported globally.
Prostate cancer is not merely a disease that only affects older men, and which one must be concerned about in later life. If you understand your own risk, know the possible meanings of the symptoms, and have well-informed discussions regarding screening, you will be in a better position to make sound decisions about your health.
The article deals with what prostate cancer is, with its symptoms, causes and risk factors, how screening functions, and the steps you can take to help your general and prostate health.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland, and it is part of the male reproductive system.
It lies under the bladder and in front of the rectum; the prostate encircles part of the urethra, which is the tube through which urine leaves the body.
A function of the prostate is to produce a fluid which makes up part of the semen.
The prostate usually grows as men age, but an enlarged prostate doesn't necessarily mean that a man has cancer.
For instance, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that may lead to urinary symptoms, and prostatitis—which is inflammation of the prostate—can as well cause symptoms that overlap with those of prostate cancer.
It is important to note that the fact that a man has urinary problems does not necessarily mean that he has prostate cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer results from prostate cells that grow and divide without control.
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, a type which arises in the glandular cells of the prostate.
The disease does not show the same behavior in all men since some prostate cancers progress very slowly whereas others are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
A difficulty associated with prostate cancer is that in the early stages it may produce no noticeable symptoms.
A man can therefore be completely healthy and yet have prostate cancer; this is one of the reasons why it is important to understand one's personal risk and to talk to a healthcare professional about screening.
What causes prostate cancer?
No one single cause usually accounts for why a particular man develops prostate cancer.
Cancer results from cells gaining changes that alter the way they grow, divide, and survive; some of these genetic changes take place during a person's lifetime while others can be inherited.
Several factors have been identified by researchers as being linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
The presence of a risk factor does not mean that a man will develop prostate cancer.
Similarly, some men do develop prostate cancer without having any obvious known risk factor.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
1. Age
Age is one of the main risk factors for prostate cancer.
The disease is rare in young men, and the risk rises considerably as they get older, especially after the age of 50.
One reason why prostate health becomes more important as men enter middle age and older age is that...
2. Family History
Family history may also have an effect on the risk of prostate cancer.
The risk of a man getting prostate cancer is greater than average if his father, brother or son has had the disease.
The American Cancer Society states that a man's risk of developing prostate cancer can more than double if his father or brother has the disease, and the risk may be even greater if several of his close relatives have been affected or if the relatives were diagnosed at a younger age.
If prostate cancer occurs in your family, you should let your healthcare professional know. The fact that there is a family history of it may affect the time at which you should start talking about screening.
3. Race and Ancestry
Prostate cancer is not equally distributed among all populations.
Research has shown that prostate cancer is more common in Black men than in White men, and population studies find that Black men who have prostate cancer suffer higher mortality rates.
This is especially relevant when talking about men's health among African populations.
That doesn't mean that all Black men will develop prostate cancer; it only means that the risk should be taken seriously when making up one's mind about preventive healthcare and screening.
4. Inherited genetic changes
Genetic changes which are inherited can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
For instance, inherited variants of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, especially those of the BRCA2 gene, are linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Likewise, Lynch syndrome can also increase the risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.
Men who have a strong family background of cancer should consider talking to a healthcare professional about their family history.
5. Lifestyle and Other Factors
Researchers are still investigating how diet, body weight, physical activity, smoking, and other factors might affect the risk of prostate cancer.
The support for each of the suggested risk factors is not the same.
That is the reason why one should be careful about assertions that a certain food, herb, vitamin or supplement can "prevent prostate cancer."
At this time there is no food or supplement which can guarantee to prevent prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
It is one of the most important points to grasp regarding prostate cancer that early-stage disease can cause no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Urinating more frequently
Needing to urinate frequently at night
Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
Blood in the urine
Blood in the semen
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Erectile difficulties
Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis
Yet the symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer.
A prostate that has enlarged, prostatitis and various other urinary conditions can all result in the same symptoms.
A man experiencing trouble with urination, for instance, doesn't necessarily mean that he has cancer.
What is important is not to ignore any changes that are persistent or worrying.
When should a man go to see a doctor?
A man ought to consult a healthcare professional if he has persistent changes in the way he urinates, if his urine or semen contains blood, if he is suffering from unexplained continuous pain, or if there are any other changes that concern him.
Men who have a strong family history of prostate cancer should also talk to a healthcare professional about their risk, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.
What we should not do is to make a diagnosis of ourselves on the basis of our symptoms.
The same symptom may have a number of possible causes, and only a healthcare professional is able to properly evaluate what might be going on.
How has prostate cancer been discovered?
You cannot find a single test that will tell you whether every man has prostate cancer.
A healthcare professional might suggest different investigations depending on a man's age, his symptoms, his risk factors, and his medical history and previous test results.
The two tests which are commonly referred to in the context of prostate cancer screening are the PSA blood test and the digital rectal examination (DRE).
What constitutes a PSA test?
PSA is an abbreviation for prostate-specific antigens.
It is a protein which is mainly produced by the cells in the prostate, and a PSA test involves measuring the amount of PSA in a man's blood.
A man with prostate cancer may have an elevated PSA level, but the level may also be elevated because of other prostate conditions such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation.
Therefore:
A high level of PSA doesn't necessarily indicate that a person has cancer.
Just as it is impossible to be certain that there is no prostate cancer when a PSA result is not elevated.
To interpret the result, a healthcare professional must take into account the individual's age, health, risk factors, and other findings.
What counts as a digital rectal examination?
Another method that can be used when evaluating the prostate is a digital rectal examination (DRE).
While carrying out the examination, a healthcare professional checks for any abnormalities by feeling the prostate through the rectum.
Although a DRE can be used together with PSA testing, it is not as good as PSA testing at detecting prostate cancer itself.
It depends on the individual case and the judgement of the healthcare professional whether a DRE is appropriate.
What occurs if a screening test is abnormal?
The fact that a man's PSA or DRE is abnormal does not mean automatically that he has prostate cancer.
It might be necessary to carry out further assessments.
It may involve carrying out repeat PSA tests, having further tests, undergoing imaging such as MRI, or having a prostate biopsy, according to the situation.
A biopsy consists of removing small pieces of prostate tissue in order that they can be examined for the presence of cancer cells.
It is important since the terms of screening and diagnosis are not interchangeable.
A screening test can identify those who may need further evaluation; it does not in itself result in a cancer diagnosis.
Should men be screened for prostate cancer?
It is one of the most important—and at times misinterpreted—questions concerning prostate health.
What screening involves is looking for cancer prior to the appearance of symptoms.
The advantage could be that certain cancers might be picked up earlier.
There are also potential drawbacks to screening for prostate cancer.
Certain prostate cancers progress so gradually that they might never cause any symptoms or put a man's life at risk. In such cases, further tests and treatments may end up being unnecessary. Moreover, screening may give rise to both false-positive and false-negative results.
That is the reason why the major medical organizations stress informed decision-making rather than automatically screening every man in the same way.
It is suggested by the American Cancer Society that men should talk with a healthcare professional about the possible benefits, risks and uncertainties of having their prostate cancer screened.
Its guidance recommends discussing screening around:
Age 50
For men who are of average risk and are expected to live for at least another 10 years.
Age 45
For men who are at greater risk, such as Black men and men who have a father or brother who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65.
Age 40
For men who are at especially high risk, such as those who have more than one first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.
These stages are only intended as a guide to start up a discussion, not as a requirement that all men must automatically have their screening carried out.
Your doctor will be able to assist you in taking into account your age, family history, ancestry, general state of health, and your own personal preferences.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
At this time, there is no certain method of preventing prostate cancer.
Factors such as age, genetics, and family history are ones which cannot be altered.
A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, can help to maintain your general health and might aid in reducing the risk of a number of chronic diseases.
The American Cancer Society says that to possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, a healthy weight should be maintained, one should be physically active, and a healthy eating pattern should be followed as part of a general approach.
If you want to know more about looking after your body through exercise, nutrition, sleep and other daily habits, see MedsLearn's Physical Health: Caring For Your Body.
Eat a Balanced Diet
There is not one food which can be said to prevent prostate cancer.
Rather, concentrate on adopting a well-balanced eating pattern that involves a wide range of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other foods high in nutrients.
The American Cancer Society also says that highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats should be limited as part of a healthy way of eating.
MedsLearn has similarly looked at nutrition as it relates to men's reproductive health through its article 7 Nigerian Foods Every Man Should Eat for Stronger Ejaculation. The article examines the nutrients and foods that are relevant to male reproductive health; it must, however, not be understood as indicating that these foods can prevent prostate cancer.
Stay Physically Active
It is important to engage in some form of physical activity if you want to maintain your general health.
It helps to maintain good cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and overall physical well-being.
Even though the connection between physical activity and the risk of prostate cancer is still under investigation, it makes sense to include physical activity as part of a healthy way of life.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking is linked to a wide range of serious health issues, and studies have also investigated its connection with prostate cancer, especially more aggressive forms of it.
Therefore, avoiding tobacco is an important aspect of maintaining your general health.
Be Careful With "Cancer Prevention" Supplements
There are countless products on the internet that claim to "cleanse the prostate", "kill cancer cells" or to prevent prostate cancer.
Be cautious.
The National Cancer Institute states that various dietary factors and supplements which have been proposed do not have proven effects in preventing prostate cancer.
Just because a product is marketed as "natural" does not mean that it has been proven to be effective.
Prostate Cancer Is Not the Same as an Enlarged Prostate
This distinction deserves emphasis.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.
It is common as men age and can cause symptoms such as:
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine flow
Frequent urination
Night-time urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
The symptoms may be similar to those of prostate cancer.
However, BPH is not prostate cancer.
The presence of urinary symptoms doesn't indicate what condition is to blame; it's necessary to have a proper medical evaluation to find the cause.
Why Prostate Health Matters to Men's Health
Prostate health makes up only one aspect of a man's general health.
Male health also includes physical activity, proper nutrition, mental well-being, sexual and reproductive health, preventive care and knowing when to get medical attention.
That is the reason why prostate health should not be dealt with by itself.
Anyone who takes their health seriously should pay attention not only to their symptoms but also to preventive healthcare and to having regular discussions with qualified healthcare professionals.
What Every Man Should Remember About Prostate Cancer
Here are the key points to take away:
Prostate cancer is common, especially in older men. Early prostate cancer may produce no symptoms. Age is one of the main risk factors. The risk can be increased if you have a close relative who has prostate cancer. Some inherited changes in genes may increase the risk. In studies of the population, Black men are found to have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than White men. Just because someone has urinary symptoms does not mean that they have prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate does not amount to prostate cancer. A PSA test may be used to evaluate the risk, but it cannot on its own be used to diagnose prostate cancer. The fact that PSA levels are abnormal doesn't mean that cancer is present. Screening may have some benefits and some harm. Men should have an informed discussion with a healthcare professional as to whether screening is suitable for them. There is no method that can definitely prevent prostate cancer. While adopting a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and following other healthy habits is beneficial for general well-being; they should not be regarded as sure ways of preventing cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
What is the first indication of prostate cancer?
There might be absolutely no early sign. Early prostate cancer generally produces no symptoms and, when symptoms do appear, they can be urinary changes, blood in the urine or in the semen, or a persistent pain. Yet these symptoms can also be due to something else.
When should men begin to consider the possibility of prostate cancer?
The chance of getting prostate cancer rises as a man gets older, especially after the age of 50; men who are at greater risk, such as Black men and those with a strong family history, should consider talking about getting screened earlier.
Can a young man develop prostate cancer?
Certainly, but prostate cancer is rare in younger men, and the risk rises greatly as they get older.
Does having an enlarged prostate indicate that one has cancer?
No, an enlarged prostate, especially when it comes to benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a non-cancerous condition. The fact is that both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer can lead to similar urinary symptoms.
Does having a high PSA level mean that I have prostate cancer?
The PSA level can be increased for a number of reasons, such as prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, and inflammation. It is up to a medical professional to interpret the result in the context of the situation.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
There is no certain way of preventing prostate cancer, since some of the risk factors, for example age and inherited genetics, cannot be altered. Although making healthy lifestyle choices may help to reduce the risk and contribute to general well-being, no specific food or supplement can be guaranteed to prevent the disease.
Is prostate cancer curable?
Doctors can often cure prostate cancer, especially if they find it early, and it has not spread outside the prostate. Treatments like surgery or radiation work well for many men with early-stage prostate cancer. If the cancer spreads, it is harder to cure, but some treatments can slow it down and help you live longer.
Certain prostate cancers can be successfully treated, especially if they are found before they have spread. The kind of treatment needed will depend on various factors including the stage and grade of cancer, the patient's general health, and their individual circumstances. A medical professional will be able to explain the treatment options that are suitable for a given diagnosis.
Final Word
Prostate cancer is a significant aspect of men's health, especially as they grow older.
What you should aim for is not becoming anxious every time there is a change in your body; instead, you should aim to be informed enough to know when something does need attention.
Get to know your family history, understand your personal risk, keep an eye on any changes that persist, and instead of assuming that all men need the same test at the same age ask questions regarding screening.
Most important of all, don't attempt to diagnose prostate problems on your own.
If you have any symptoms or concerns regarding your prostate health, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The conversation is worth the effort you put into your health.
Sources
Statistics on prostate cancer and screening considerations from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) regarding prostate cancer. — Prostate Cancer Screening, National Cancer Institute (NCI), including screening, PSA, DRE and the possible benefits and harms. Information on prostate cancer prevention from the National Cancer Institute — regarding risk factors and the evidence for prevention. — age, ancestry, family history and inherited genetic risk, American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. The American Cancer Society's Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection regarding shared decision-making and discussion of screening ages. American Cancer Society, "Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?" — evidence on lifestyle and prevention.
