Finding the Right Prostate Cancer Screening

Because the disease is more damaging the later it is detected, it’s important that prostate cancer screenings are accessible for all men. We talked to Wendy Poage and Renee Savickas of the Prostate Conditions Education Council about the testing options available and how to decrease prostate cancer risk.

Where can men get screened for prostate cancer?

There are no early warning signs of prostate cancer, thus screening is the only way to detect it in the earliest and most treatable stages.

There is a great deal of important information men need to understand about the early detection of prostate cancer. The most widely available tool for screening for prostate cancer is a simple blood test called the PSA (prostate specific antigen). This test can easily be ordered by a primary care doctor, a urologist, or men can get access through our nonprofit organization the Prostate Conditions Education Council.

There is wide debate over when to start screening and the interpretation of the results. Our Council of leading experts believes an average man should have a baseline screening at 40 years old and then, based on that result, their family history, and other risk factors, a follow-up testing schedule can be set.

It’s important for all men to track their PSA over time as an increase in the PSA result is one of the main signs there’s a problem. The guidelines for follow-up based on PSA results are rather complicated, so a good rule of thumb is a PSA result of 1.5ng/ml or higher should prompt a visit to a urologist.

It’s also important to know that African American men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, men with certain genetic mutations like BRCA, and men in certain careers have increased risks of prostate cancer.

There are also some newer genomic tests that are effective in screening for prostate cancer. An example is SelectMDx, which uses a urine sample rather than a blood draw.

Is there a link between a man’s diet and getting prostate cancer?

As with many cancers, diet and health are believed to be linked to prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a heart-healthy diet are fantastic ways to minimize risks of prostate and other cancers.

What are some prostate health conditions men should look out for?

In addition to prostate cancer, men will often want information on enlarged prostate (also called BPH) and prostatitis. Enlarged prostate is a condition that often causes issues with urination, like frequently needing to urinate, difficulty urinating, and getting up multiple times at night to urinate. It is very common in men as they age. It is also highly treatable with medications for many men and can also be treated with surgery. 

Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate, and is also treated with medication — most commonly antibiotics. 

It is important for men to understand that both of these conditions may also cause an increase in the PSA blood test that is used for screening. An elevated PSA test may not just indicate prostate cancer, it could be showing elevated levels because of enlarged prostate or a prostatitis. That is why it’s also good to see a urologist for PSA levels of 1.5 ng/ml or higher.

Are there certain occupations that can make men more susceptible to getting prostate cancer?

Yes, environment exposure can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Jobs that have been identified to be at risk include:

• Veterans, especially those exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War and those exposed to chemicals in more recent conflicts
• First responders (firefighters and police officers)
• Farmers and agricultural workers who use fertilizer and other chemicals
• Diesel workers exposed to fumes
• Rubber industry workers

How can men prevent prostate cancer?

There is no way to prevent prostate cancer, however, men can be thoughtful about minimizing risk factors and being active in monitoring their prostate health. Finding prostate cancer in its earliest stages allows for the most treatment options (which sometimes includes just watching the cancer to be sure it does not grow or advance) and the best chances for survival.

Knowledge is power, so being your own advocate, mandating screenings and follow-up testing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key!

Where can men get screened for prostate cancer?

Since 1989, we have been partnering with hospitals, urology clinics, churches, conferences, and health fairs around the country, but due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been unable to provide our usual Prostate Health Assessment Events. However, in response to the pandemic and all of its challenges, and seeing the need for men to have access to PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing and may not be able to leave their home or may not have the resources available, we have two options for men seeking a PSA Test, if screening events are not available in their area: 

• In-home finger prick test
• PSA testing at a LabCorp in their area (if available)

Is there a link between a man’s diet and their risk of getting prostate cancer?

There is strong evidence that suggests good nutrition and having an active lifestyle can reduce the possibility of getting prostate cancer, and could slow the progression. A heart-healthy diet is good for your prostate health as well! Heart-health and prostate-health diets are filled with colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and limit sugar, carbohydrates, fried foods, and animal-based protein.

What are some prostate health conditions men should look out for?

First of all, men need to be aware of their Family History of PCA and breast, ovarian, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Men who have these cancers run in their family are at a higher risk to develop prostate disease. Prostate conditions to look out for are: 

• BPH: A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause a variety of urinary symptoms and can cause your PSA to rise.  
• Prostatitis: An infection or inflammation in your prostate gland that is not cancer. It can often cause swelling and pain.  

Are there certain occupations that can make men more susceptible to getting prostate cancer?

Yes, unfortunately, many occupations expose men to dangerous chemicals known to cause cancer, and prostate cancer in particular.

Some of these hazardous occupations include: veterans, especially those exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War; first responders (firefighters and police officers); farmers and agricultural workers; diesel workers exposed to fumes; rubber industry workers; and more.

How can men prevent prostate cancer?

Be proactive! Know your family history and other risk factors. If you do not know your family history, consider speaking with a certified genetic counselor. Starting at 40, get a baseline PSA and DRE exam. Monitor your PSA annually. Exercise regularly and eat a heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sugar diet.