Health & Fitness
Prostate Cancer is Becoming More Common: What Every Man Should Know
Prostate cancer rates are rising, with a concerning increase in advanced-stage diagnoses. Learn what you can do to catch it early.
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Why Are More Men Being Diagnosed with Prostate cancer? Scott Wheeler, M.D., a urologist at Southern Ocean Medical Center, says there are several factors contributing to the increase in prostate cancer diagnoses.
Prostate cancer, a disease affecting the small gland near a man's bladder, is on the rise. Experts predict that the number of new cases worldwide could double by 2040. In the United States, rates have already been climbing by 3% each year since 2014. Understanding why this is happening and what you can do about it is the first step in protecting yourself and your future.
A Simple Screening Can Save Your Life
When prostate cancer is found early, before it has a chance to spread, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment and a long, healthy life.
Screening for prostate cancer is simple and starts with a conversation with your doctor. Most guidelines recommend that men at average risk should start this conversation around age 50 to 55. If you are at higher risk—for example, if you are Black or have a close relative who had prostate cancer—you should talk to your doctor even earlier, around age 40 or 45.
The initial screening is usually a simple blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. This test measures the level of a protein made by your prostate. Sometimes, a doctor may also perform a quick physical exam called a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Be There for Your Family: There is No Shame in Getting Checked
It's normal to feel nervous or even embarrassed about health issues, especially something as personal as prostate cancer. Studies show that fear and embarrassment can stop men from talking to their doctors. But taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for the people who love you.
Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your age, family history, and overall health. Don't wait. Schedule a conversation today to learn the facts and create a screening plan that’s right for you.
Learn more about protecting your prostate health by reading this article.
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