Simple Steps Men Can Take to Reduce Their Risk of Prostate Cancer

By Sheldon L. Holder, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist, Trinity Health Medical Group – Oncology, Lacks Cancer Center, Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with about 1 in 8 men likely to get diagnosed at some point during their lifetime. 

The good news? It’s extremely treatable, especially when detected early. 

As we observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, let’s look at what you can do to catch it early, how it’s treated, and what you can do to reduce your risk of getting it in the first place. 

What symptoms mean that something may be wrong with my prostate?

Prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms when it first develops, which is why it’s so important for men to have their doctor perform a simple screening test. 

If prostate cancer progresses without treatment, men can have difficulty urinating, pain during urination, blood in the urine, or pain in other parts of the body where the cancer has spread. 

Is there a test that can help detect prostate cancer?

The first step to look for prostate cancer is a simple blood test called a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test performed by your doctor. 

Most men have a PSA level less than 4, which usually means they have a “normal” prostate. Levels greater than 4 could be cause for concern and will require more testing. 

However, it’s important to note that if men have a large prostate, even for non-cancerous reasons, they can have a PSA level greater than 4. Also, as men age, they can have a higher PSA level even though they don’t have cancer. 

Regular screening helps your doctor know what a normal PSA is for you, and when to be concerned. For these reasons, it’s good for men to talk to their doctor about what PSA level is normal for them.   

Who should get a PSA test and what happens if a test reveals elevated levels?

On average, men should get their PSA level checked at age 45. The results will then determine if any further testing is needed.  

Some men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, including those with a family history of prostate cancer and men who identify as Black. Men at high risk for prostate cancer should begin getting their PSA level checked at age 40. 

If a PSA level is higher than expected, your doctor usually looks for abnormalities in the prostate using an MRI scan. Then, he or she may perform a biopsy to look at tiny pieces of the prostate tissue under a microscope to see if cancer is present. 

How is prostate cancer treated?

When discovered early, prostate cancer is very curable with surgery or radiation therapy. Even if prostate cancer has spread, it is very treatable, even if it is not curable.   

What lifestyle choices can men make to reduce their risk? 

There are several lifestyle choices men can make to reduce their risk of prostate cancer, including diet and exercise. 

Men should make it a point to be physically active on a regular basis, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lay off the fatty foods and red meat!

What can men do if they are concerned about their prostate health?

First, they should talk to their primary care physician (PCP) about a screening with a PSA test (remember this is a simple blood test). 

These test results will help the doctor determine what, if any, next steps are needed to maintain or improve prostate health.