Why prostate cancer screening matters: What every man should know

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of men each year.

Many health conditions come with obvious warning signs, but prostate cancer often does not. In its early stages, prostate cancer may cause no symptoms at all. That is why screening plays such an important role in detecting the disease early, when treatment is most effective.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and remains the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The good news? When found early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

Why early detection is so important

"Prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages," says Brian Uzomba, MD, a family medicine physician with Piedmont. "When it's detected early, treatment outcomes are excellent and survival rates are very high."

Because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed, routine conversations with your doctor about screening can make a significant difference.

Who should consider screening?

Not every man has the same risk of developing prostate cancer. Experts recommend discussing screening with your doctor around age 50. Some men, however, may benefit from earlier discussions, including:

• African American men
• Men with a father, brother or close relative who had prostate cancer
• Men with a strong family history of certain cancers

Your physician can help determine when screening is appropriate based on your age, personal health history and risk factors.

What is a PSA test?

One of the most common screening tools for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can sometimes indicate prostate cancer, but they may also be linked to other prostate conditions. Because of this, the PSA test is often used as part of a broader conversation about prostate health.

"Screening decisions should be individualized," Dr. Uzomba says. "Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and limitations of testing and determine the best approach for you."

What happens if cancer is found?

A prostate cancer diagnosis does not always mean immediate treatment is necessary.

Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may not pose an immediate threat. In these cases, physicians may recommend active surveillance, a strategy that closely monitors the cancer through regular testing and exams before deciding whether treatment is needed.

This approach helps some patients avoid unnecessary procedures while still keeping a close watch on their health.

Supporting your prostate health

While no lifestyle change can completely prevent prostate cancer, healthy habits can support overall prostate health and well-being. Dr. Uzomba recommends:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Drinking plenty of water
• Keeping up with annual wellness visits
• Reporting changes in urinary habits to your physician

Symptoms that should be discussed with a doctor include difficulty urinating, needing to urinate more frequently, blood in the urine or recurring urinary tract infections.

Take charge of your health

"Being proactive about your health can make a significant difference," Dr. Uzomba says. "The earlier concerns are identified, the more options patients typically have."

Prostate cancer may not always announce itself with symptoms, but screening can help detect problems before they become more serious. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and whether prostate cancer screening is right for you.

To schedule an appointment with a Piedmont primary care provider, visit Piedmont.org.