Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Early detection and treatment are critically important.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a disease that affects thousands of men each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 13 out of every 100 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, while 2 to 3 out of every 100 men will die from the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. It’s also a serious health concern. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the country, behind only lung cancer.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 2.1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. Of those cases, prostate cancer is expected to account for about 333,830 diagnoses, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men.
While age is one of the biggest risk factors, it’s not the only one.
“Getting older significantly increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer, but age is only part of the equation,” said Dr. Kirk Tamaddon, a urologist with Pasadena-based Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Family history and race can also have a major impact. For example, African American men tend to face a higher risk of developing the disease.”
Although prostate cancer is most often diagnosed in men over age 50, younger men should not assume they are out of danger.
“Many people think of prostate cancer as an older man’s disease, and while that’s generally true, younger men can still develop it,” Dr. Tamaddon said. “That’s why it’s important to have conversations with your healthcare provider about whether screening is right for you. One of the biggest challenges is that prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, when treatment tends to be most effective.”
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 55 to 69 discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider and make an individual decision about testing. Routine screening is not recommended for men age 70 and older, depending on their health status, medical co-morbidities and family history.
“Most prostate cancers are first identified through a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test or during a routine medical examination,” said Dr. Tamaddon, who’s also area medical director and chief of staff at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles. “It’s also important for men to understand that urinary symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer. However, if you’re experiencing changes, that’s a good reason to talk with your doctor and determine whether screening is appropriate.”
Dr. Tamaddon encourages men to make an appointment with their physician if they:
• Have a family history of prostate cancer, particularly in a father or brother.
• Need to urinate frequently, especially during the night.
• Experience pain or burning while urinating.
• Are unable to urinate.
• Notice blood in their urine or semen.
• Have persistent pain in the lower back, abdomen, hips, or pelvis.
Reducing Your Risk
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, healthy lifestyle habits may help lower risk and support overall health.
According to the American Cancer Society, men should:
Eat a Healthy Diet
Focus on a plant-forward diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting animal products such as red meat and high-fat dairy. Aim for at least 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day, including cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Stay Physically Active
What is good for your heart is often good for your prostate. Regular physical activity has been associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer and provides numerous other health benefits.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Although researchers continue to study the relationship between weight and prostate cancer, obesity has been linked to a greater risk of developing more aggressive forms of the disease.
Dr. Tamaddon says that awareness and early detection remain the most powerful tools men have. “Finding prostate cancer early can make a tremendous difference in treatment options and outcomes,” he said. “The most important step is having an open conversation with your doctor about your personal risk factors and whether screening makes sense for you.”
Kaiser Permanente offers valuable information about prostate cancer.
