When it comes to prostate cancer, many people think they are invincible. There’s no way cancer can happen to you, right? Unfortunately, it can.
4 Common Cancer Myths
You won’t get cancer if it doesn’t run in your family.
A family history of any type of cancer is an important thing to share with your provider, but many men who have cancer have no family history.
It’s always a lump you can feel.
Cancer doesn’t always present as a lump, especially if it’s early stage.
You don’t need to worry about cancer if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
While maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising, and limiting tobacco and alcohol use can lower your risk, there’s no guarantee you won’t develop cancer.
You only need to be screened for cancer if you have symptoms.
Often, early-stage cancer is diagnosed when you’re feeling fine. Since it’s common to not have any symptoms, it’s important to keep up with your recommended screenings, even if you feel great.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men. It often has no symptoms, especially in an early stage. When there are symptoms, they can include:
trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine
passing urine more often during the day or getting up many times during the night to pass urine
frequent, urgent need to pass urine, even when there is only a small amount
less urine flow
burning when you pass urine
chills and high fever
low back pain or body aches
pain low in the belly, groin or behind the scrotum
sexual problems and loss of sex drive
Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms. Keep in mind that men can have prostate changes that cause symptoms like these but aren’t cancer. For example, as you age, the prostate tends to grow and can decrease urine flow.
You should start getting screened at age 50, even if you don’t have any signs or symptoms. Your provider may recommend getting screened earlier if you’re African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Getting Screened
The most common screening test for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen blood test. PSA is made by both normal and cancer cells in the prostate gland. A higher level of PSA may mean cancer is present.
Your provider can also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. During a DRE, your provider will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to feel for abnormalities in the prostate.
Lowering Your Risk
You can’t change most risk factors for prostate cancer, like age, family history and ethnicity. However, these healthy lifestyle choices may help lower your risk:
Keep a healthy weight.
Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit dairy, red and processed meat, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.
Get regular physical activity.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Resources
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