In the US alone, over 300,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, with almost 36,000 men dying from it annually1. This translates to around one in eight men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with risk varying based on individual factors such as age, ethnicity, and genetic disposition1.
Because prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, and at Ezra, we strongly believe that nobody should miss out on early detection because of a fear of pain or embarrassment about prostate exams, we want every man over 40 to learn more about prostate cancer screening. Read on to find out more about the best ways to screen for prostate cancer, age-specific screening guidelines, the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, and our tips to protect your prostate health.
What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate cancer screening involves tests to check for prostate cancer in men who do not have any symptoms2. The two most common tests used in prostate cancer screening are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE)3,4.
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the levels of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. It’s important to keep in mind that PSA levels can be elevated for a variety of reasons besides cancer, including an infection of the prostate (prostatitis) or an enlarged prostate.
The DRE is a physical exam during which a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
If there is a suspicious finding on either of these screening tests, the next step is usually to undergo a prostate biopsy, which will help a doctor confirm or rule out the possibility of prostate cancer. The most common reason for a man to have a prostate biopsy is because of an elevated prostate-specific antigen level (PSA)5, but it can also be performed due to abnormalities found during a DRE.
Even though prostate cancer is relatively common, the good news is that more than 80 percent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed when the cancer is still localized just inside the prostate or the surrounding area (i.e., early-stage)6. Studies show that the five-year survival rate for a man with early-stage prostate cancer is higher than 99 percent in the United States6. For most men, the chance of dying from prostate cancer is lower than many other cancers. However, it’s also important to remember that prostate cancer can be more aggressive in some men, even when it’s found early6.
Who Should Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
One in eight men in the US will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, and the older you are, the greater your chance of developing it. While only about one in 450 men under the age of 50 will be diagnosed, the rate jumps to one in 11 for men who are 70 and older6. Almost 60 percent of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men 65 years or older1.
With this in mind, the American Cancer Society recommends that most men discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider starting at age 507. Men younger than 50 may benefit from screening if they are at a higher than average risk of developing prostate cancer7. The next section breaks down age-specific guidelines in more detail.
Age-Specific Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening
Age 50+
The American Cancer Society recommends that men with an average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live at least 10 more years start discussing prostate cancer screening with their healthcare practitioner at age 50. This will enable them to make an informed decision, with guidance from their healthcare practitioner, about whether to undergo screening, given the possible benefits and risks of screening7.
Age 45+
For men with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, for example, African American men and men with a first-degree relative (i.e., a father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (i.e., younger than 65), they should talk to their doctor about screening once they reach 45 years of age7.
Age 40+
For those with an even higher risk of prostate cancer, for example, men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, the recommendation is to start screening at age 407.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening?
It’s important to remember that the decision to undergo prostate cancer screening is not one size fits all – there are benefits and risks that vary from individual to individual. Your doctor will help you think through your options based on factors like age, family history, and overall health. Men who are interested in screening should talk about the benefits and risks of screening with their healthcare team, who can help you make an informed decision.
At Ezra, we want you to understand the pros and cons before making your decision.
The Pros of Prostate Cancer Screening
- Early Detection: One of the most significant advantages of prostate cancer screening is that it can detect cancer in its early stages. Early detection is essential as it increases the chances of successful treatment and can improve the overall prognosis for anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer8.
- Peace of Mind: Prostate cancer screening can provide peace of mind to men who are concerned about their health. Knowing that they do not have prostate cancer can alleviate their anxiety9.
The Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening
- False-Positive Results: Prostate cancer screening tests are not always accurate, and false-positive results are common. False-positive results can cause unnecessary anxiety and lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful follow-up tests and treatments10.
- Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: Prostate cancer screening can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, which can sometimes cause harm. Overdiagnosis happens when a screening test detects cancer that would never have caused symptoms or harm to the patient. Overtreatment happens when patients are treated for cancer that would never have caused harm10.
- Risk of Complications: Prostate cancer screening tests can lead to follow-up tests and treatments that can also cause complications, like infection, bleeding, pain, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction11.
Innovations in Prostate Evaluation
One tool that has been increasingly used in prostate cancer screening is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here's what you need to know about MRI as a tool for prostate cancer screening12:
What Is Prostate MRI?
Prostate MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of tissues, such as the prostate gland in this case. The images can help detect abnormalities, such as tumors, in the prostate gland.
How Is MRI Used in Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate MRI is usually used in combination with other prostate cancer screening tests, such as the PSA blood test and DRE. If the PSA or DRE indicates the possibility of prostate cancer, a prostate MRI may be recommended to provide more detailed information about the prostate gland.
What Are the Benefits of MRI in Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate MRI can detect prostate cancer earlier than other screening tests, such as the PSA test or DRE. It can also help determine the location and extent of the cancer, which can aid in treatment planning. On top of that, a prostate MRI can reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies, which can be uncomfortable and carry a risk of complications.
What Are the Risks of MRI in Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate MRI is generally considered safe, but there is a minor risk of allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in some MRI scans. Additionally, prostate MRI is not foolproof and there is a risk that it may miss some prostate cancers (i.e., produce false negatives).
Who Should Consider MRI for Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate MRI is not usually recommended as a routine screening test for all men but may be recommended for men at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or African American men.
What Should I Expect During a Prostate MRI?
During a prostate MRI, you will lie on a table that slides into a narrow tube. You may be given a contrast dye through an intravenous (IV) line to make certain tissues or blood vessels appear more clearly.
Ezra’s Top Tips for Prostate Health and Early Cancer Detection
While there’s no way to completely eliminate your risk of prostate cancer, there are a lot of things you can do to lower your risk and protect your prostate health. Here are some of our top tips for lowering your risk and optimizing your health if you or a loved one is managing a prostate cancer diagnosis.
- Improve Your Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, like fish, poultry, and legumes, may reduce your risk of prostate cancer13. Limiting your intake of red and processed meat, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages may also help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
- Get Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can also go a long way in reducing the risk of prostate cancer13. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week14.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise may reduce the risk of prostate cancer13.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked with an increased risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other smoking-related diseases, while also improving your overall health15.
- Get Regular Medical Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help you detect prostate cancer early. Remember that if cancer is found, the prognosis is better the earlier it is detected. It’s really important to know that for many men with what is characterized as a low-risk tumor – and for some men with intermediate-risk tumors – doctors are now recommending active surveillance16. This means that the cancer is monitored at regular intervals, and generally, no treatment is given – meaning there are no treatment-related side effects. Research shows that this approach can be a safe approach that does not impact long-term survival17.
How Ezra Can Help
Prostate health is a subject that every man should be aware of. It’s important to stay informed on key information about prostate cancer, tips for prostate health, and your options for early cancer detection.
When it comes to cancer prevention, our team at Ezra is always working to bring you the most advanced tools and technologies. From early detection to regular follow-up, our goal is to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date resources to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.
That’s why we want you to know that prostate health is a key area where Ezra can team up with you and the men in your life. Our team offers safe ways to flag problems like prostate cancer as early as possible through screening tests like the Ezra prostate MRI scan. We want to partner with you to protect prostate health and have access to the follow-up you need if you ever have to manage an abnormal finding.
If you are considering prostate cancer screening, get in touch with our team to discuss your options further, or book your appointment for a prostate MRI online today.
