Avoiding a late Prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, with one in every eight men, and one in six Black men, being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. 

While prostate cancer is a serious diagnosis, most men do not die from it. According to Herbert C. Ruckle MD, chair of urology at Loma Linda University Health, the likelihood of survival is significantly higher when the disease is detected in its early stages. 

Why early screening is important 

Prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, making routine screening one of the most effective ways to catch the disease before it progresses. 

“Most men are completely asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease,” Ruckle says. 

“They may not begin experiencing symptoms until stage 3 or even stage 4.” 

During stages 1 and 2, prostate cancer remains localized to the prostate, which is why many men do not experience symptoms. At these stages, the five-year relative survival rate is more than 99%. 

However, once the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, as it does in stage 4 disease, the five-year relative survival rate drops to 38%. 

“Early screening allows us to detect prostate cancer before the disease progresses, giving patients the best chance for successful treatment and long-term survival,” says Ruckle. 

When should you start screening? 

Ruckle recommends that men begin prostate cancer screening as early as age 40. 

This recommendation applies to all men, but is especially important for those who: 

• Are at increased risk for prostate cancer, including African American men 

• Have a family history of prostate cancer 

• Are obese 

• Carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations 

During a prostate cancer screening, a blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen)  test is used to measure the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a normal substance produced by the prostate, but elevated levels can sometimes indicate prostate cancer. 

If PSA levels are concerning, your provider may order additional testing to determine the cause, as elevated PSA levels do not always mean cancer is present.