Prostate cancer is common – about one in eight men will develop the disease in their lifetime – but despite the prevalence, misconceptions about prostate cancer abound.
“One of the things we see with prostate cancer is uncertainty around personal risk, the role of routine screening, and the many advancements in treatment,” said David J. Benjamin, M.D., a genitourinary (GU) oncologist at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. “There are several steps individuals can take to better understand their risk of developing prostate cancer.”
What are some of those things? Dr. Benjamin shares important information about what men can do to take control of their prostate health.
Understand Your Risk: Genetic counseling can help men uncover if they are at elevated risk of developing prostate cancer. If you are overweight, have a family history of the disease or know that you carry gene mutations that increase your risk, talk with your primary care physician.
“This is not a disease that exclusively affects the elderly. In fact, there has been a steady increase in prostate cancer rates in men under 55,” Dr. Benjamin said. “It is important for men of every age to understand the disease, be aware of their individual risk factors and learn what they can do to minimize their risk of developing prostate cancer.”
Get Screened: With prostate cancer rates on the rise, Dr. Benjamin cautions that “screening is of utmost importance. Catching cancer early can potentially improve treatment outcomes.”
“People of average risk should discuss screening options with their primary care physician starting at age 50,” Dr. Benjamin said. “If you are at elevated risk – or if you are unsure whether you are at elevated risk – consult a Hoag specialist to find out if you could benefit from earlier or more frequent screening.”
Discuss Your Vitamins with Your Doctors: Many people take over-the-counter vitamins to improve their health, without a thought to whether these same vitamins might increase their risk of disease.
“If you are taking vitamins or other dietary supplements, it is important to tell your doctor about it. There are vitamins, for example, that increase the risk of prostate cancer development,” said Dr. Benjamin, who led a systematic review on the role of vitamins in treating and preventing prostate cancer.
Pay Attention to Subtle Symptoms
In addition to understanding risk factors and getting screened, men should also pay attention to changes in their urinary health, which can sometimes be an early indicator of prostate issues.
“Most often, prostate cancer doesn’t cause symptoms, and urinary symptoms are typically the result of benign prostate enlargement. That’s why regular screening is recommended, even in the absence of symptoms,” said Charles Loeb, M.D., a Hoag urologist. “With early detection, your physician can offer timely support to manage symptoms and help preserve your quality of life.”
Learn About Your Options: Don’t let fear keep you from getting screened. Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause symptoms or require treatment. This can allow some men and their doctors to take an “active surveillance” approach that emphasizes aggressive monitoring over immediate treatment.
“Many men are concerned about the risk of incontinence or erectile dysfunction following a diagnosis of prostate cancer or cancer treatment,” Dr. Benjamin said. “In fact, treatment advancements have drastically reduced these risks. And as many as 80% of men who undergo active surveillance never need prostate cancer treatment at all.”
Find the Right Team: Hoag has the largest prostate cancer program in Orange County with the most advanced technology and the highest skilled team to fight cancer. Ranked High Performing by U.S. News & World Report, Hoag offers a robust GU oncology program, with highly specialized urologists, GU oncologists and urogynecologists.
“Hoag is a recognized national leader in robotic surgeries and other advanced technologies to treat GU cancers,” Dr. Benjamin said. “We are lucky in Orange County to be surrounded by highly trained, skilled specialists in GU cancers. Where you seek screening and treatment matters.”
