According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.

About one in 44 American men will die of the disease.

Although some prostate cancers are aggressive — and can lead to death — the majority of them are low-grade and never spread (metastasize) to distant sites like bones.

What if I told you that there is a male behavior that raises prostate cancer risk by nearly half?

What’s your guess?

Smoking?

Too much alcohol?

Not enough exercise?

No, the answer is simpler: Get prostate cancer screening.

Today, I’ll review the disturbing recent increase in prostate cancer incidence.

We’ll then turn to a new study highlighting the power of prostate cancer screening.

Prostate Cancer Rates Are Spiking

The U.S. state of California is a good example of what happens when men don’t get prostate cancer screening.

A University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) study included nearly 388,000 men who had prostate cancer between 2004 and 2021.

This California statistic caught my eye:

The incidence rate of prostate cancer cases increased by seven percent per year on average between 2011 and 2021.

Around one in six of the 72,460 men invited to the screenings skipped every appointment.

The unscreened men had a 45 percent higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared with those who attended screening appointments.

Let’s turn to why this spike rise in incidence (and plateau in gains against prostate cancer deaths) occurred.

Prostate Screening Stops (and Deaths Rise)

The incidence of advanced prostate cancer rose.

The mortality rate plateaued in most regions across the state of California.

These changes occurred following the decision to stop routinely screening all men for the disease.

The prostate cancer increase is associated with the 2012 U.S Preventative Task Force decision to stop recommending routine PSA screenings.

Guidelines Changed Over Time

Let’s look at how prostate cancer screening guidelines have evolved:

• 2008. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against PSA screening for males over 75.
• 2012. The USPSTF extends the “no PSA screening” recommendation to men 55 to 69.
• 2018. “Males aged 55 to 69 years discuss the possible benefits and harms of PSA screening with their health care provider and make an individualized decision about whether to get screened.”

Prostate Cancer: Screening

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential…

www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org

The 2008 and 2012 changes, designed to prevent overtreatment, may have inadvertently led to a higher number of cases going undetected (and potentially advanced, lethal prostate cancer).

My Take

The rising incidence of prostate cancer alarms me.

The increase occurred across age groups, ethnicities, and races.

According to the researchers,

The freeze in screenings “unfortunately may have led to one of the largest subsequent rises in incidence of distant stage disease.”

The problem is urgent, and determining the optimal way to screen for prostate cancer remains a challenge.

Screen!

If we don’t screen, the number of men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer — an incurable condition — increases fast.

If you are a male, you should strongly consider prostate cancer screening with the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.

After learning about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening, you can make a decision.

The discussion about screening should take place at:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This group includes African American men and those who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)

The post The Surprising Behavior That Raises Prostate Cancer Risk by Nearly Half appeared first on Medika Life.

Date of Release: Sept. 21, 2020

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — While this September may feel different than years past, it is just as important to stay connected and proactive with your prostate health. This year, Prostate Oncology Specialists encourages men to focus on their prostate health by improving their diet and consuming updated, accurate information.     

Men with prostate cancer need the right diet and a consistent exercise routine to help them manage their weight. Studies show that overweight men often have worse prostate cancer outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more advanced prostate cancer. But what type of diet is best for men with prostate cancer? Advanced imaging studies show that prostate cancer feeds on proteins and amino acids, both components of animal products. A plant-based diet will help men starve their prostate cancer and stay proactive in their prostate health.  

Beyond proteins and fats, prostate cancer also feeds on fear and misinformation. Many men base treatment decisions in fear instead of fact. Rushing into a treatment decision and relying only on partial information may lead to irreversible side effects and regret. Patient empowerment is the key to better outcomes. This September, listen to the PROSTATE PROS podcast feed and empower yourself with your prostate cancer options. Explore topics like: Are supplements really worth it? Can drugs from other cancers be helpful for men with prostate cancer? Should you check out genetic testing?

Dr. Mark Scholz, Medical Director of Prostate Oncology Specialists, says: “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month provides a unique opportunity to engage in conversation. A lot of patient education happens inside a doctor’s office, but with office visits being postponed during the pandemic, many men are missing out on important and updated information about prostate cancer screening and treatment options. Creating content and connecting with community that extend outside of the office walls are crucial for continued patient education and empowerment.” 

Now in its second season, PROSTATE PROS is a convenient way to get updated, non-biased information between appointments and stay connected to prostate news while social distancing. Make informed decisions about your health on your own schedule.    

Episodes are released the first Monday of each month and are 15-20 minutes in length. Explore PROSTATE PROS at podcast.prostateoncology.com and listen on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Google Podcasts.

Join the conversation and help spread the word about screening and treatment options. Follow Prostate Oncology Specialists on twitter @keepprostate or email PROSTATE PROS at podcast@prostateoncology.com. 

SOURCE Prostate Oncology Specialists

The post Are You Feeding Your Prostate Cancer? appeared first on Medika Life.