5 things every man should know about prostate cancer

It’s only about the size of a walnut, but the prostate takes on an oversized place in men’s health as they age.

We talked to MultiCare urologist Douglas Sutherland, MD, to learn the five things every man should know about prostate cancer and why an annual physical is so important for men’s health.

1. It’s common

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, behind skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. It’s also the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men (behind lung cancer).

But the statistics aren’t all grim. If caught and treated early, prostate cancer is very survivable. Localized prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent curable. But it’s also not likely to cause any symptoms. A simple blood test to measure prostate-specific antigens (PSA) has been shown to reduce the death rate of prostate cancer.

2. Your risk factors

Older men and non-Hispanic Black men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Family history also plays a part. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk of developing the disease is double what it would be otherwise.

In a twist, obesity seems to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer overall. But that’s not a license to ignore the scale because when an obese man does develop prostate cancer, it’s usually more aggressive.

3. Prevention and detection

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from prostate cancer is to keep your body in fighting shape. While there’s no evidence that a healthy diet and exercise will prevent you from developing prostate cancer, there is ample evidence that they can help you beat the disease. The healthier you are, the better your chances of surviving.

Appropriate screening can help you find prostate cancer before it becomes a more serious problem. While it might be tempting to skip your annual physical, that checkup can save your life.

If you are at average risk, talk to your primary care physician about PSA screening if you’re between the ages of 55-70. If you are high-risk (African American or with a close relative who has had prostate cancer) start the conversation as early as age 40.

If you are older than 70, talk to your doctor or other health care provider about whether it’s necessary. Prostate cancer is generally so slow-growing that PSA screening for older men may not be useful.

And remember, the PSA is just a screening tool. If your tests come back abnormal you will need additional testing, including additional blood and urine tests, and possibly an MRI. Eventually, your provider will need to take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Signs and symptoms

While prostate cancer that is limited to the prostate has no symptoms, advanced prostate cancer has several, including difficulty urinating (slow or weak stream or the need to urinate more frequently); blood in the urine or semen; trouble getting an erection; pain in the hips, back, ribs or other areas; weakness or numbness in the legs or feet; or even loss of bladder or bowel control from a tumor pressing on the spinal cord. Any of these symptoms warrant a visit with your provider.

5. Treatment options

The most common treatment of early-stage prostate cancer is simply keeping an eye on it. Because most prostate cancers are very slow-growing, it often takes 10 to 20 years before it can start to cause harm, so active surveillance can keep you from having to deal with the effects of treatment while also keeping you safe from the cancer’s future spread.

If your provider does determine your tumor should be treated, the primary tools are radiation or surgery. Both tools work very well to reduce the risk of tumor spread or death.