Men’s Health Month: Preventing prostate cancer

(WIFR) - June is Men’s Health Month, making it the perfect time to get screened for prostate cancer, according to experts.

UW Health shares prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the U.S., following skin cancer. Experts report one in eight men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

While prostate cancer can form at any age, chances go up as men get older. UW Health explains that most prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65. Dr. Nameer Mardini, an oncologist with UW Health, says they usually start screening patients at age 45.

Factors that predispose someone to developing prostate cancer include family history and race/ethnicity. The American Cancer Association shares that prostate cancer develops more often in African American men than in men of other races.

The ACC says having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease. The risk is also much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was discovered.

“Some people think it is old man disease but that’s not always true. Others think it is always deadly but most prostate cancer grows very slowly and some don’t even need treatment right away, we can observe them,” Dr. Mardini explained. “Many men are nervous about the exam but again it is so simple, 10 seconds can save 10 years of our life.”

Symptoms of early prostate cancer may not appear. But when they do, they include problems urinating, a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often and blood in the urine.

Experts say survival rates are directly associated with early detection. UW says the discussion about screening should take place at:

• Age 50 for men at average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of prostate cancer, including Black men and any man with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk, including any men with more than one brother or both father and brother who had prostate cancer, and men who carry any BRCA gene mutations.

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer) and BRCA2 genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA. Everyone has two copies of these genes - one copy inherited from each parent, according to the National Cancer Institute. People who inherit a harmful change to either gene have an increased risk of several cancers, including prostate.

UW suggests that men who decide to get screened should be tested with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Experts share that a digital rectal exam may also be done as part of screening. However, how often you are tested depends on your PSA level, health, family history and preferences.

“Think of it like protecting your bodies engine. You want to eat more fruit, vegetables, cut down on red meat, exercise regularly, even walking helps. Keep a healthy weight,” said Dr. Mardini. “If you are at high risk start those check ups early. Speak with your doctor. A 10-second screening test can give you an extra ten years of your life.”

It doesn’t take drastic steps to improve your urologic health, according to UW. They suggest:

• Staying well-hydrated
• Eating a balanced, low-sodium diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Managing stress and chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension

For more information on prostate cancer, visit UW Health’s website here.

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