Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?



Prostate cancer forms when cells in the prostate undergo DNA changes. The altered cells reproduce faster than healthy prostate cells and group together to form a tumor. Prostate cancer only develops in people who have a prostate. Among those individuals, some are at a higher risk for developing cancer than others.



Risk factors for prostate cancer include:

• Age: Prostate cancer typically develops in older individuals, usually men over the age of 50.
• Race: Black people may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than people of other races.
• Family history: If you have family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have a higher risk of it, as well. You may also have a higher risk for developing prostate cancer if you have a family history of breast cancer.





Signs of Prostate Cancer



In the earliest stages, prostate cancer often has no signs or symptoms. In the later stages, symptoms often appear, but they can be similar to those caused by other prostate conditions. If you experience any changes in your urination or sexual function, discuss your concerns with your physician.



A few common symptoms of prostate cancer in the later stages include:

• Difficulty urinating
• A reduced urine flow
• Blood in the urine
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in the semen
• Pain in the bones
• Unexplained weight loss



Detection and Treatment of Prostate Cancer



Screening for prostate cancer is recommended for some men, provided they understand the risks and benefits of early detection screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that men of average risk discuss screening with their doctors starting at age 50. Men with more risk factors for prostate cancer can discuss screening options beginning at age 45 or 40.



Screening tests include a prostate-specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal exam. If either test is abnormal, your physician may recommend a prostate biopsy. The biopsy results can let the doctor know what type of prostate cancer a person has and the likelihood of the cancer spreading.



You may not need to treat prostate cancer immediately if the cancer is slow-growing and isn't likely to spread to other areas of the body. Your physician may recommend active surveillance, which will include regular checkups.



More advanced or aggressive forms of prostate cancer can be treated with radiation or surgery. Surgery removes the entire prostate gland, plus surrounding lymph nodes and tissue.



Radiation treatment can be either external or internal. During internal radiation therapy, small radioactive "seeds" are implanted inside the prostate. The seeds release radiation over time.



Can You Prevent Prostate Cancer?



There isn't a secret formula or magic trick that will absolutely prevent prostate cancer. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it.



Staying at a healthy weight and being physically active can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Maintaining your weight and exercising regularly are also good for your health overall.



Your dietary choices can also have an impact on your cancer risk. Eating a healthy diet, full of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains can help ensure your body has the nutrients it needs for optimal health.



If you're concerned about your prostate cancer risk or have other questions, talk to your family physician. They can help you better understand the benefits and drawbacks of screening and let you know if you're a potential candidate for screening.