Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The multidisciplinary teams that specialize in treating prostate cancer at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University share this statistic with the goal of educating men about their individual risk for prostate cancer, how it’s diagnosed, and how it can be treated.
The truth is that about one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. This frequency demands that men, and their family and friends, understand the risks they face; screenings that should be followed; and what needed treatments are available.
Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
The statistics indicate that just about any man is at risk of developing prostate cancer in his lifetime. While that is true, some men need to know that they may be at higher risk than others. This includes:
- Men who are over age 50
- African-American or Caribbean men of African ancestry
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer
- Men with certain gene changes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome
Researchers are still studying how lifestyle can impact prostate cancer risk, including:
- Diet
- Healthy weight
- Smoking
- Chemical exposures
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Vasectomy
What Screenings Detect Prostate Cancer?
The best way to manage your risk of prostate cancer is regular prostate cancer screenings. That includes:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) at an annual wellness exam
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test that checks for elevated PSA levels, which may show signs of prostate cancer
Your doctor can discuss when it’s right for you to have a PSA prostate cancer screening. It is important to remember that even if your blood results have an elevated PSA, it doesn’t mean you have prostate cancer. Your physician will order additional tests to get a clear picture of your health.