With a heavy focus on former President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis, its time to shed some light on the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men

 By: Matthew Meissner, MD, urology, Geisinger

Most people likely don’t think about their prostate gland until there’s trouble. However, there’s a good reason to keep it on your radar, especially as you get older. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men. The good news: Although the likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases as you age, there are practical ways to lower your risk.

You may already be taking proactive measures without even realizing it. Many of the same steps you’re taking to protect your heart also can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

What is prostate cancer?

Your prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut that sits in front of the rectum, below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that moves urine out of the bladder. As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is responsible for producing some of the fluid that contains semen.

Prostate cancer develops when the healthy, normal cells in the prostate gland begin to “go rogue” by growing and functioning in a different way. These cancerous cells start to build up and form a mass called a tumor, which exists as a lump inside the body.

While prostate cancer is common, the good news is that it’s highly curable with surgery or radiation therapy when diagnosed early. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer that’s confined entirely to the prostate gland is nearly 100%. And not all prostate cancers are the same. Certain types of prostate cancer are not aggressive and can be safely managed with close monitoring — a strategy known as ‘active surveillance.

How to prevent prostate cancer

While there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, embracing these healthy habits can help reduce your risks — and improve your overall health.

Even men at a greater risk due to age (over 50), race (African American) and a family history of prostate cancer and certain other cancers, including breast, pancreatic and colon, can reduce the likelihood of developing it by adopting these strategies.

Exercise regularly

Moving for even a few minutes a day not only lowers your risk of developing prostate cancer, but also other conditions, such as heart disease. Regular physical activity aids in weight management, improved immune function and decreased inflammation in the body, all of which can help prevent cancer.

Work up to a goal of getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts each week, such as brisk walking, bicycling, jogging or swimming, and strength training 2 or more days a week.

Adopt a healthier diet

Diets high in animal fat have been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Instead, stick to eating a balanced diet chock-full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, like turkey and fish, to help reduce your risk.

A diet rich in antioxidants is one of the most effective ways to support prostate health. Foods like tomatoes, broccoli, soy and green tea are thought to combat oxidative stress and promote cellular health.

Maintain a healthy weight

People considered obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30, are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. Keeping in line with the previous points, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Drink coffee

According to a Harvard study, people who drank 6 or more cups of coffee a day had a 20% lower risk of developing any form of prostate cancer. The lower risk was evident among those who drank regular or decaffeinated coffee — good news for many men who already enjoy a morning cup of joe (or several).

However, the data is conflicting. And too much caffeine can be a negative for your health, with side effects like insomnia, headaches and irregular heartbeat, so talk to your doctor before trying this one.

Stop smoking and limit alcohol

Quitting smoking is beneficial in more ways than one. When you stop smoking, your risk of dying from prostate cancer can be reduced to the same as it is for someone who’s never smoked. And if you’ve already had prostate cancer, quitting smoking can lessen the chance that it will return.

Avoiding alcohol is another way to protect your prostate. Recent research indicates that any amount of alcohol can increase your risk for cancer. But if you choose to drink, limit your consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day.

Talk with your doctor about your risk

Think you’re at a high risk of prostate cancer? Some types of medicine and supplements might help lower your chances of developing it. Discuss these options with your doctor and ask whether the benefits outweigh your risks.

PSA testing

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a blood test used to check for prostate cancer. While prostate cancer is one of many things that can cause an elevated PSA, regular PSA testing has been shown to detect prostate cancer early and improve survival for certain people.

In general, those between ages 55 and 69 will benefit from routine PSA checks, as early-stage prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms.

But not all men will benefit from PSA testing and it’s why you need to have an open conversation with your doctor about your family history and other risk factors, so you and your doctor can develop a tailored screening plan.

Contact your doctor if prostate cancer symptoms show up

The best way to detect prostate cancer early: Get regular screenings and learn to recognize prostate cancer symptoms, such as:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Straining to urinate or having a weak flow
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction

However, having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have prostate cancer. They can also indicate an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostate glands can get bigger with age. And when the prostate becomes larger, it puts extra pressure on the urethra, making you urinate more often, especially at night, or making it harder to “go” in general.

An enlarged prostate is a natural part of getting older and it’s important for men to have regular checkups with their doctor and watch for prostate cancer symptoms. Being proactive about your health leads to timely medical intervention and a better quality of life.

For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.

To learn more about cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/cancerinstitute.

Dr. Meissner is a board-eligible and fellowship-trained urologist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas San Antonio School of Medicine. Dr. Meissner completed his residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and his fellowship at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.