Essential Information for Minimizing Prostate Cancer Risk

Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and past president of the Florida Urological Society.

In my practice, prostate cancer is a major concern, so I always stress the importance of early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be almost 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer and around 35,000 deaths in 2024.

One important tool for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This simple blood test provides valuable information about prostate health. Men should start getting this test annually by the age of 50. However, if you have a family history of prostate cancer, risk factors, or if you are Black, you may need to begin testing as early as age 40.

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Prostate-specific antigen testing is a crucial tool for detecting prostate cancer early. Along with other tests and evaluations, it helps to find prostate cancer in its initial stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment through surgery or radiation.

Regular PSA screenings are especially important for individuals at high risk, like those with a family history of prostate cancer or older age. It is also recommended for the average man during his yearly checkup with his primary care physician.

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King Charles III visits the New Malden Methodist Church on November 8, 2023, in New Malden, England.

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What else can affect PSA levels?

Conditions like having an enlarged prostate, recent sexual activity, or prostate infections can cause PSA levels to be higher than normal. This might make someone worry unnecessarily. By taking these factors into account along with the results of a PSA test, healthcare providers can give better advice and avoid unnecessary treatments.

A surgeon sitting in front of screens of a Focal One device performs a robot-assisted prostate tumorectomy using ultrasound imaging on April 10, 2014 at the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, center France.

A surgeon at the Edouard Herriot hospital in Lyon, central France, used a Focal One device on April 10, 2014, to perform a robot-assisted prostate tumorectomy. Sitting in front of screens, the surgeon utilized ultrasound imaging for the procedure.

The image captured during the surgery shows the focused work of the surgeon, highlighting the advanced technology being used in medical procedures.

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Going beyond PSA for screening

Prostate-specific antigen testing has advanced beyond its usual methods, thanks to improvements in molecular urine and blood tests as well as imaging technology.

These new tests can identify specific genetic markers linked to prostate cancer in blood and urine samples, offering valuable information about each individual's risk level.

When traditional PSA testing is combined with these additional tests, we can get a better understanding of a patient's prostate health and risk of cancer. These tests, along with the initial PSA results, can guide us in identifying individuals who may need further evaluation, like a prostate biopsy.

By the age of 50, men should be having prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, testing done annually.

By the age of 50, men should be having prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, testing done annually.

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Prostate MRI technology provides a clear and detailed view of the prostate gland, helping us locate any suspicious lesions that may indicate prostate cancer. These areas of concern, known as "hot spots," can be precisely targeted using MRI fusion technology during a prostate biopsy. By combining MRI images with live ultrasound images, this imaging tool improves the accuracy of detecting cancer during the biopsy procedure.

By utilizing these advanced tests, we can enhance our ability to identify prostate cancer early, leading to more effective and personalized treatment options.

Sad mature man contemplating at home

Sad mature man contemplating at home

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Recent research and guidelines from the Prostate Cancer Foundation emphasize the importance of increasing prostate cancer testing and detection for Black men. To address their higher risk, it is now recommended to start baseline PSA testing between ages 40 and 45, earlier than what other organizations suggest. It is advised to have regular screenings, ideally annually, until at least age 70. These new guidelines aim to help reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes for Black men and provide crucial lifesaving screening recommendations.

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One out of every six Black men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Detecting the cancer early is crucial for increasing survival rates.

Recent research suggests that by lowering the age for initial PSA testing in Black men, we could potentially decrease prostate cancer fatalities by 30% without a significant rise in unnecessary diagnoses. This highlights the necessity of customized screening strategies for at-risk groups, especially Black men, who face double the risk of being diagnosed with and succumbing to prostate cancer compared to White men.

Taking proactive steps towards prostate health is important for all men. The PSA test is a key tool in detecting prostate cancer early, leading to better outcomes. It is crucial to stay updated on screening guidelines and know your individual risk factors. By prioritizing proactive healthcare and having open discussions with healthcare providers, men can actively manage their prostate health and help decrease the impact of prostate cancer in our communities.

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Editor's P/S:

The article provides valuable insights into the importance of prostate cancer screening and the role of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. It emphasizes the need for early detection to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates. The inclusion of recent research and guidelines specifically addressing the higher risk faced by Black men adds a crucial perspective to the discussion.

The article effectively conveys the significance of regular PSA screenings and encourages individuals to be proactive about their prostate health. By highlighting the advancements in molecular urine and blood tests as well as imaging technology, it demonstrates the ongoing efforts to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of prostate cancer detection. The emphasis on personalized treatment options is also encouraging, as it suggests that healthcare providers are tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.