Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second most common cancer overall after skin cancer. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never become life-threatening, others are more aggressive and require prompt treatment. Understanding your personal risk and knowing when to get screened can help detect prostate cancer early, when it is often most treatable.
Tony Luongo, MD, urologist, MelroseWakefield Hospital and Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, encourages men to have a conversation with their primary care provider about prostate cancer screening.
"Men between the age of 55 and 69 should consider getting screened at their annual physical exam," said Dr. Luongo. "It is important to talk with your doctor about your risk and when you should be screened, because not all physicians include prostate cancer screening in their regular physicals."
Prostate cancer facts:
- 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime
- The most common risk factor is age
- Black men are at a higher risk than other men, and according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, should talk to their doctor about getting screened between ages 40 and 45
- The majority of men do not have any symptoms while others may have pain or changes with urination
How to get tested:
"Screening for prostate cancer is so simple and can save your life," said Dr. Luongo. "It's as easy as a blood test and/or physical exam." A test that is commonly used to diagnose prostate disorders, including prostate cancer, is a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The PSA detects the amount of prostate-specific antigen (small protein produced almost exclusively by the prostate) in your blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Learn what to expect at a prostate test.
"The PSA is not a perfect test," said Dr. Luongo. "There are other factors that can lead to an elevated PSA level beyond prostate cancer. That is why it is so important to partner with your physician. We need to look at all of the factors and all of the available information before jumping to diagnose a cancer."
Your doctor may also recommend a rectal exam which will allow them to feel for any abnormalities. Talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may experience and your screening options.
If your PSA levels are concerning and you have other risk factors, your physician may recommend an MRI scan and/or a prostate biopsy to get the most accurate information. "The technology has evolved in recent years, allowing us to make diagnoses using these incredibly detailed imaging studies," said Dr. Luongo.
Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating prostate cancer. The right treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, your age, your overall health and your personal goals and preferences.
For many men, especially those with slow-growing cancers, active surveillance may be the best option. This approach involves closely monitoring the cancer with regular testing and only beginning treatment if the cancer shows signs of progressing. Other treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.
Like any cancer treatment, prostate cancer therapies can have side effects, including temporary or permanent urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Before making a decision, it's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option with your physician.
"As a urologist, I see firsthand that every person diagnosed with prostate cancer has a unique situation," said Dr. Luongo. "Treatment depends on many factors, and for some men, careful monitoring may be the right approach.”
Because prostate cancer affects every person differently, treatment should be personalized. An experienced care team can help you understand your diagnosis, weigh your options and create a treatment plan that supports both your health and your quality of life throughout treatment and beyond.
