Following skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 in 100 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. However, that doesn't necessarily mean the worst. To help you better understand this condition, consider some of the following prostate cancer myths and misconceptions.
14 Common Myths About Prostate Cancer
Receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be scary and cause a lot of uncertainty, but it's important to separate the myths and facts. Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions out there.
1. Only Older Men Get Prostate Cancer
Although rare in men younger than 40, prostate cancer can occur in men of any age. The risk of prostate cancer tends to increase based on family history, race, physical health, lifestyle habits, and even geographic location. Still, the risk for prostate cancer does increase with age, which is why it's important to see your urologist regularly for screenings. African-American men are also more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, so they should speak with their doctors about taking a proactive approach. Younger men with high-risk factors may also be advised to get screened before 40.
2. Prostate Cancer Only Affects People with a Family History
One of the risk factors for prostate cancer is family health history. However, that doesn't mean that you will 100% get it if your father or brother had it or that you 100% will not get it if you have no history. If you have a relative with prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about genomic testing and what you can do to stay proactive.
3. Prostate Cancer Always Has Symptoms
Many men with early-stage prostate cancer experience no symptoms. By the time symptoms do appear, it's often a sign that the cancer is in a later stage, making it more difficult to treat. Some of the most common prostate cancer symptoms include:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Nocturia
- Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back
However, many of these symptoms are common signs of less serious urologic conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms above, try to remain calm until you can get the proper diagnosis. Remember, the best way to be proactive about your urologic health is to see your doctor regularly and get screened for prostate cancer.
4. Vasectomies Cause Prostate Cancer
Although there has been information floating around stating that getting a vasectomy increases your risk of developing prostate cancer, it's not true. Prostate cancer isn't linked to getting a vasectomy at all. It may even result in more diligent screenings, as men who undergo this birth-control surgery tend to see their urologist more regularly.
5. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Leads to Prostate Cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate does not play any part in the development of prostate cancer. The only thing they have in common is that they both affect the prostate gland and can result in similar symptoms. However, BPH is completely benign, and there are several treatment options to help you manage symptoms.
6. Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer Can't Have Children
The diagnosis itself isn't what causes issues with male fertility; it's often the treatment. If you undergo surgery to remove the prostate gland, it could increase your risk of infertility. However, there are plenty of ways you can safeguard your future family ahead of time. If you know you will want children, doctors recommend freezing sperm in advance. This way, if you do become infertile after treatment, you still have the opportunity to have children.
7. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing is Only Used to Detect Cancer Cells
Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) are a protein produced by the prostate in response to several conditions. While a PSA test is part of the prostate cancer screening process, it's not only used in that manner. High PSA levels could indicate that you're experiencing prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), infection, or cancer. It's a good test for early detection, but elevated PSA levels are not used as a definitive diagnosis. Your doctor will likely also perform a digital rectal exam and a blood test to understand what's causing the spike.
8. Men with Prostate Cancer Must Start Treatment Immediately
Some cases of prostate cancer require immediate treatment, but when caught early, your doctor may recommend active surveillance or watchful waiting. Your course of action will depend on your age, current health status, and the cancer's aggressiveness. If you need treatment immediately, your doctor will discuss your options. Still, many men do not die of the disease, so try to remain calm and get the facts behind your diagnosis.
9. A Prostate Biopsy Will Spread Cancer
A biopsy is when a small piece of the prostate tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist. This is done to confirm the presence of cancer and make an accurate diagnosis. Some men fear that during this procedure, the cancer cells will break open and spread to other parts of the body. While there have been a few cases of this occurring, it's extremely rare and shouldn't be a cause for concern. There are far more benefits to undergoing the biopsy than there are risks. Still, if you feel uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about your options and the associated risks.
10. Prostate Cancer is Always Fatal
Although serious, the number of men who die of prostate cancer is low. In fact, the 5-year survival rate is 98.6%. The key is catching the cancer early and undergoing the proper treatment to reduce the risk of it metastasizing. Once prostate cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes, it becomes harder to treat.
11. Prostate Cancer is Always Curable
While diagnosing prostate cancer early can increase the cure rate, not all cases are the same. The sooner you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis after it appears, the better your outcome.
12. Surgery is the Only Way to Treat Prostate Cancer
Surgery is a common treatment option for men whose cancer hasn't metastasized out of the prostate gland. However, there are also emerging options for partial gland ablation, which is particularly effective if your prostate cancer is confined to certain areas within the prostate. This can help minimize the risk of side effects and keep some healthy prostate tissue alive. Not all men are candidates for this treatment, so it's important to speak with your doctor about your options.
There are also possibilities for radiation, hormone therapy, and even high-intensity focused ultrasounds to help destroy the cancerous tissue. Your treatment will usually depend on where the cancer is present and how aggressive it is.
13. Prostate Cancer Treatment Leads to Impotence
Depending on the stage and severity of your prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy. While there are risks of side effects, treatment doesn't guarantee that you will no longer be able to get an erection. There are many factors involved, and even those who do experience erectile dysfunction can still seek treatment. If your healthcare provider recommends a specific type of treatment, it's important to discuss the benefits and complications involved. There are several treatment options available, but the primary goal should be eradicating the cancer before it spreads. Therefore, following your doctor's advice is best despite the risk.
14. Prostate Cancer Treatment Results in Incontinence
Prostate cancer treatment may result in the temporary leakage of urine, but this is usually a short-term complication that subsides with recovery. Almost all men who develop incontinence after surgery will regain the same amount of bladder they had previously within one year. If you're concerned about temporary incontinence, talk to your doctor about your options.
Seeing your urologist yearly is an important part of early detection for prostate cancer. Although most men begin these appointments around the age of 40, you should go earlier if you suffer from symptoms of any urologic conditions or have a family history of prostate cancer. If you need any urologic supplies or additional educational resources, visit our educational support page or our product selection guide. Byram Healthcare is proud to offer full-service urologic care with the high-quality urologic supplies you need. If you need to order any urologic supplies, your packages can be discreetly delivered to your home anytime.
