Photo Credit: from FreePik.com
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers, affecting millions of men worldwide. While the risk increases with age, it’s essential to understand that prostate cancer doesn’t only impact older men.
Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer abound, which can potentially lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and that’s vital because prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men.
The problem is expected to get worse. According to JAMA Network, “The number of males diagnosed with prostate cancer will more than double worldwide over the next 2 decades, from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040.”
Still, while it can be deadly, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Early detection is critical for good outcomes.
This article aims to debunk five common misconceptions about prostate cancer, shedding light on what you really need to know. It includes treatment options like Orgovyx (also known as Relugolix), which is in a drug class known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and the importance of understanding the mechanisms of the disease.
Myth 1: Prostate Cancer Only Affects Older Men
One pervasive myth about prostate cancer is that it is a disease reserved for the elderly. While it’s true that the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, this does not mean that younger men are immune. In fact, men in their 40s and 50s can also be diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially if they have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
According to the American Cancer Society, “About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 67.”
The ACA also says that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime! In addition, the risk of prostate cancer is higher in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. Still, it can affect anyone.
These statistics underscore the importance of regular screenings and awareness of early symptoms, regardless of age. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and management, whether the patient is young or old.
Myth 2: A High PSA Score Definitely Means Prostate Cancer
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a common screening tool used to detect potential prostate cancer. Remember that PSA is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test; the PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated for various reasons, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or even recent sexual activity.
However, PSA testing has limitations. For example, a high PSA score does not automatically mean a man has prostate cancer. So while the PSA test is an essential tool in the early detection of prostate cancer, it is not definitive.
As Mayo Clinic explains it, the limitations of PSA testing include:
● “PSA-raising factors. Besides cancer, other conditions that can raise PSA levels include an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and an inflamed or infected prostate (prostatitis). … PSA levels normally increase with age.
● PSA-lowering factors. Certain drugs used to treat BPH or urinary conditions, and large doses of certain chemotherapy medications, may lower PSA levels. Obesity also can lower PSA levels.
● Misleading results. The test doesn’t always provide an accurate result. An elevated PSA level doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, and it’s possible to have prostate cancer and also have a normal PSA level.
● Overdiagnosis. Some prostate cancers detected by PSA tests will never cause symptoms or lead to death. These symptom-free cancers are considered overdiagnoses — identification of cancer not likely to cause poor health or to present a risk of death.”
Of course, a high PSA level warrants further investigation, such as a biopsy or imaging tests, to confirm whether cancer is present. But understanding the limitations of the PSA test can help reduce unnecessary anxiety and ensure that individuals undergo the appropriate follow-up tests for accurate diagnosis.
One of the best ways to detect prostate cancer is to have your doctor do a digital rectal exam annually, especially since PSA levels are not always reliable.
Myth 3: Prostate Cancer Surgery Always Leads to Impotence or Incontinence
Fear of the side effects of surgery, particularly impotence and incontinence, often leads men to avoid or delay prostate cancer treatment. It can take a major toll on a man’s mental health.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine states, “74% of men over age 50 felt that the fear of the side effects of treatment caused men to avoid being screened for prostate cancer. 20% of men who were not being screened annually acknowledged that their avoidance was due to fear, both of learning that they had cancer and of the side effects of its treatment. Their wives thought the number was closer to 33%.”
While these side effects were more common in the past, advancements in surgical techniques and treatment options have significantly reduced these risks.
Today, nerve-sparing techniques and other minimally invasive procedures have improved outcomes for many men undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
Moreover, medications like Orgovyx, which work by targeting the mechanism of hormone production that fuels prostate cancer growth, offer alternative treatment options that can help manage advanced prostate cancer while minimizing side effects.
It’s essential for patients to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare providers about the potential risks and benefits of different treatment options. Personalized treatment plans can often mitigate the risk of side effects, helping men maintain their quality of life during and after treatment.
Myth 4: Prostate Cancer is a Death Sentence
One of the most dangerous myths about prostate cancer is that it’s a death sentence. While it’s true that prostate cancer can be life-threatening, particularly in its advanced stages, the prognosis for many men is excellent, especially when the disease is caught early.
In fact, Moffitt Cancer Center shares that “the five-year survival rate for both localized cancer (that has not spread beyond the prostate) and regional cancer (that has not spread beyond nearby structures and lymph nodes) is nearly 100%.”
Even for advanced prostate cancer, treatment options like Orgovyx have made significant strides in managing the disease and prolonging life. Early detection through regular screenings and prompt treatment is key to improving survival rates.
As the American Cancer Society puts it, “The main benefit of screening is that if prostate cancer is found as a result, it’s likely to be at an earlier stage than if no screening were done. This will most likely mean that the cancer is easier to treat.”
It’s important to remember that many men diagnosed with prostate cancer go on to live long, healthy lives. If you catch it early and get treatment immediately, your prognosis should be good.
Advances in treatment and a better understanding of the disease’s mechanisms have turned what was once considered a death sentence into a manageable condition for many, so if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or fear discussing symptoms with your healthcare provider because you don’t want to face it, keep this in mind.
Myth 5: There’s Nothing I Can Do to Prevent Prostate Cancer
While no one can eliminate their risk of developing prostate cancer, several lifestyle factors can significantly reduce it. You can keep your risk low by making good choices.
To prevent prostate cancer, stay healthy as you age by improving your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, increasing fluid intake to maintain hydration, increasing your vitamin D, and staying sexually active.
Yes, you read that right: have more sex!
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports: “Two studies appear to show that men who have a higher frequency of ejaculation (with or without a sexual partner) were up to two-thirds less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Studies are ongoing, but some experts theorize that ejaculation clears the body of toxins and other substances that could cause inflammation.”
Of course, equally important to reducing the risk of prostate cancer is a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, diets high in processed foods and red meat may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Conversely, consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes and berries, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, may help protect against the disease.
As Stanford Medicine explains, “Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the oxidation process and act as protective agents. They protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals (by-products of the body's normal chemical processes). Free radicals attack healthy cells, which changes their DNA, allowing tumors to grow.”
It’s also essential to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits can contribute to overall cancer risk. Physical activity can also help regulate hormones and maintain a healthy weight, reducing risk.
It is also important to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, as some studies have shown that it can have effects on cancer treatment responses and lower recurrence rates.
Vitamin D for the Management of Prostate Cancer - PMC
By making healthy lifestyle choices like the above, men can take proactive steps in managing their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Remember that prostate cancer is a complex disease, but with accurate information and proactive management, the horizon isn’t so bleak. Debunking myths and understanding the realities of prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options like Orgovyx, empowers men to make informed decisions about their health.
Treatment options and drug choices can vary based on individual patient factors, such as the stage of the cancer, overall health, and potential side effects. It's essential to discuss treatment plans with a qualified healthcare provider.
Always consult with a qualified medical professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. Remember that knowledge is your best defense against this disease, while early detection increases your treatment options and leads to better outcomes.
###