Understanding Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Should Know About Screening and Prevention
Dr. Tatyana Morton, a board-certified internal medicine physician at Ovation Private Health, provides comprehensive, preventive care to support men’s long-term wellness. With personalized guidance and evidence-based insight, she helps patients understand prostate health, make informed screening choices, and take proactive steps toward confident, lasting vitality.
When it comes to men’s health, prostate cancer is one of those topics many prefer not to think about. However, understanding it can make a huge difference. Just like heart health or blood pressure, your prostate deserves attention and proactive care.
At Ovation Private Health, our goal is to help patients stay ahead of potential health issues before they become problems. Prostate cancer is common, but with the right information and early conversations, men can take confident steps toward prevention, early detection, and effective treatment when needed.
Let’s walk through what every man, and his loved ones, should know about prostate health.
What Is the Prostate and Why Does It Matter?
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body, and plays an important role in producing fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Because of its position, changes in the prostate can sometimes affect urinary or sexual function. Maintaining prostate health is an essential part of overall men’s wellness, especially as we age.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate begin to grow abnormally. Over time, they may form a tumor, and in some cases, spread to nearby tissues or distant parts of the body.
The good news is that most prostate cancers grow slowly and can be managed effectively when detected early. Some men may live their entire lives with low-risk prostate cancer that never becomes serious. Others develop more aggressive forms that require timely treatment. The key is knowing your risk and staying proactive with screening and follow-up care.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While any man can develop prostate cancer, certain factors increase the likelihood:
Age: Risk rises after age 50 and continues to increase as men get older.
Family history: Having a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer raises your own risk.
Race and ethnicity: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and may have more aggressive disease.
Genetic factors: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase risk.
Lifestyle: Weight, diet, and exercise also play a role. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle supports better overall prostate health.
Understanding your personal risk can help your physician recommend the most appropriate approach to screening and prevention.
Common Signs and Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. This is why preventive visits and regular discussions with your doctor are so important.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Frequent urination, especially at night
A burning or uncomfortable sensation when urinating
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not improve
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
These symptoms can also occur with other prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or infections, so evaluation is essential. A conversation with your doctor and a simple exam can clarify what is happening and outline next steps.
How Prostate Cancer Is Detected
There is no single answer for prostate cancer screening. Instead, decisions are made collaboratively between you and your doctor, considering your risks, values, and preferences.
The two most common screening methods are:
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test: Measures a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels can indicate cancer, but may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick physical exam where the doctor feels the prostate for lumps or firmness.
If test results suggest a concern, imaging such as an MRI or a prostate biopsy may follow to determine if cancer is present and, if so, how aggressive it is. The goal is always clarity, providing the information needed to make informed decisions about your health.
Treatment Options and Outlook
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. Many men have several effective options, including non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches.
1. Active Surveillance
For men with slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Active surveillance involves closely monitoring the cancer with regular PSA tests, imaging, and exams, intervening only if there are signs of progression. This approach helps avoid unnecessary side effects while keeping you safe.
2. Surgery
When cancer is confined to the prostate, a radical prostatectomy may be recommended. Advances in surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures, have improved precision and recovery times.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation can target cancer cells externally or internally using small radioactive seeds placed directly in the prostate. It is a common and effective option and can sometimes be combined with hormone therapy.
4. Hormone Therapy
Because prostate cancer cells often rely on male hormones like testosterone to grow, reducing or blocking these hormones can slow progression. Hormone therapy is often used alongside other treatments, especially in advanced cases.
5. Advanced and Combination Therapies
For more aggressive or metastatic cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be used. Care is personalized and often involves a multidisciplinary team, including urology, oncology, and primary care, working together for the best outcomes.
Most prostate cancers are highly treatable, particularly when detected early. Many men live long, healthy lives after treatment.
Life After Treatment
Recovering from prostate cancer involves more than eliminating the disease; it’s about returning to a full, balanced, and healthy life.
Some men experience side effects after treatment, such as urinary leakage or changes in sexual function. These can often be managed with rehabilitation exercises, medications, or supportive therapies. Open communication with your care team ensures concerns are addressed promptly.
Lifestyle choices continue to play a major role in long-term wellness:
Stay active with regular movement or exercise you enjoy
Eat a heart-healthy, plant-forward diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Prioritize mental and emotional well-being
Keep up with follow-up visits
Regular PSA checks and physical exams help ensure you remain cancer-free or detect any recurrence early, when it is most treatable.
Taking a Preventive Approach
You don’t have to wait for symptoms to start thinking about your prostate. Preventive care means staying ahead, understanding your risks, having regular check-ins, and making choices that support long-term health.
If you are over 50, or younger with a family history or other risk factors, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. Together, you can create a plan that fits your individual needs and helps you stay healthy, active, and confident about your future.
A Final Word from Dr. Morton
Prevention is powerful. Prostate cancer may be common, but with awareness, personalized care, and regular follow-up, men can take control of their health and enjoy life without fear.
If you haven’t discussed prostate screening with your doctor or are due for an annual wellness visit, this is a great time to start.
Book a consultation today to review your prostate health, learn your risk level, and take the next proactive step toward lifelong wellness.
This article does not constitute the practice of medicine, healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always talk to your healthcare provider regarding your specific medical needs.
