HL 7 Myths About Prostate Cancer

myths about prostate cancer

Myth 1

Only older men get prostate cancer

Myth 2

Prostate cancer always causes symptoms

Screening tests are never helpful

Myth 3

Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PsA) levels are always a sign of prostate cancer

Myth 4

Prostate cancer is never curable

Myth 5

Prostate cancer always requires immediate treatment

Myth 6

Myth 1: Only older men get prostate cancer

Fact: Although the risk increases with age, prostate cancer can also affect younger men. Roughly 4 in 10 men who develop prostate cancer are under 65. The condition is rare in men under 40, but some young men, and even older adolescents, develop it.

Prostate surgery always causes lasting erectile dysfunction and incontinence

Myth 7

Fact: In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. Many cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed through screening before symptoms develop. If you do have symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor. Potential symptoms include frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, unexplained weight loss, and more.

Myth 2: Prostate cancer always causes symptoms

Fact: In some cases, screening tests can help doctors diagnose prostate cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Talk with your doctor to learn about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. To screen for prostate cancer, your doctor may order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or perform a digital rectal exam. If the results are abnormal, your doctor will order follow-up tests to confirm if you have prostate cancer or another condition.

Myth 3: Screening tests are never helpful

Fact: Multiple factors can increase PSA levels. Men with prostate cancer often have elevated levels of PSA, which is a protein produced by prostate gland cells. However, other factors may cause elevated PSA, such as older age, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis. If you have elevated PSA, your doctor will order follow-up tests to determine the cause.

Myth 4: Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PsA) levels are always a sign of prostate cancer

Fact: Prostate cancer can often be cured when it’s diagnosed and treated early. Prostate cancer is highly treatable in the early stages before it has spread to other parts of your body. Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following treatments: surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and medication.

Myth 5: Prostate cancer is never curable

Fact: In some cases, your doctor might recommend active surveillance instead of treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend treatment if you develop prostate cancer when you’re young, if the cancer is fast-growing, or if the cancer has already spread. If the cancer is slow-growing and hasn’t spread or caused symptoms, the side effects of treatment might outweigh the benefits. If you don’t get immediate treatment, your doctor will order regular testing and closely monitor your cancer for signs of progression.

myth 6: Prostate cancer always requires immediate treatment

Fact: Prostate surgery doesn't always cause lasting side effects. Prostate surgery carries risks. It may cause nerve damage that affects your ability to have an erection or control your flow of urine. Some types of prostate surgery are more likely than others to cause these side effects. In some cases, these side effects develop but get better over time.

Myth 7: Prostate surgery always causes lasting erectile dysfunction and incontinence