Understanding Prostate Cancer

The Facts on Prostate Cancer

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The following factors have been shown to increase your risk for Prostate Cancer

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore, you should do your best to avoid as many of these actions as possible. If something is unavoidable, be conscientious about your other actions to help combat the risk!

High-Fat Dairy Products

Studies have shown that individuals who consume a lot of high-fat dairy are at an increased risk. (1)
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Red & Processed Meats

High intake of red and processed meat has been shown to increase your risk. Meats that are cooked "well-done" are also a possible risk factor. (2)
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Obesity

Obesity causes a plethora of health issues, including an increased risk of prostate cancer. (3)
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Alcohol

Evidence is still surfacing, but preliminary results show an increased risk of prostate cancer with high alcohol consumption. (4)
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Smoking Tobacco

Smoking increases your risk of death if diagnosed with prostate cancer. So, smoking could significantly affect your prognosis. (5)
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Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Ethnicity

The reason is unclear at this time, but African Americans and Caribbean men with African descent develop prostate cancer more often and at younger ages. (6)
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Older Age

Your risk will increase with age. (7)
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Family History

Those with a family history show increased risk; especially if immediate family members are diagnosed with prostate cancer. (8)
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Help reduce your risk for Prostate Cancer with these choices

Regular Exercise

Cardio: 3-5 days/week Strength Training: 2 days/week Stretching/Yoga: 2 days/week (9)
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Proper Sleep

Getting too much or too little sleep is bad for your health. Getting 7-8 hours a night is ideal. (10)
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Dietary Factors

Daily Fruits & Veggies, Daily Whole Grains, Daily Low/Nonfat Dairy, Nuts 3-5x/Week, Daily Tea (especially green), Limit Red/Processed Meat (11)
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Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

Symptoms

  • Trouble urinating
  • Abnormal, light stream when urinating
  • Blood Urination
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Blood in Semen
  • Abnormal Weight Loss

If any of the above persist, it is strongly encouraged that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. (12)

Early Detection

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage

Percent Diagnosed by Stage

The following graphs show how important it is to detect prostate cancer during the early stages. When it is caught before the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5 year survival rate is nearly 100%.

Who Should be Screened?

Typically, if you do not have any of the major risk factors, it is recommended that you consider being screened at age 50.

  • Age 50: No known, major risk factors
  • Age 45: African American individuals and those with an immediate family member (father, brother, etc) who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • Age 40: Those with two immediate family members (father, brother, etc) who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It is important that you discuss your options and learn about the risks associated with prostate cancer testing before engaging in one of the exams. (13)

What to Expect at a Screening

American Cancer Society Discuss the Process

Treatments for Prostate Cancer

  • Surgery: Removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells
  • Radiation Therapy: Beams of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy: Learn about PARP inhibitors for prostate cancer treatment
  • Immunotherapy: New research that leverages your immune system to attack cancer cells


Additional Resources

American Cancer Society | Prostate Cancer Foundation | CancerCare