Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that sits below the bladder in men. It makes fluid that helps carry sperm during ejaculation.
Most prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause serious problems. Some types grow more quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. Finding cancer early through blood testing and screening gives you the best chance for successful treatment.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Early detection through PSA testing helps catch the disease when it is most treatable.
Symptoms
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Many men with early stage prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. The cancer may only be found through routine PSA blood testing. This is why regular screening is important for men over 50 or those at higher risk.
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Causes and risk factors
Doctors do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer to develop. Changes in the DNA of prostate cells can cause them to grow abnormally. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most cases occurring in men over 65. Family history matters too. Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer have twice the risk.
Black men face higher risk and tend to develop more aggressive forms of the disease. Other factors include diet high in red meat and dairy, obesity, and possibly low zinc levels. Some research links high vitamin E levels to increased risk, though evidence is mixed. Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone made from testosterone, may play a role in prostate cancer growth.
How it's diagnosed
Prostate cancer is diagnosed using a combination of blood tests, physical exams, and imaging. The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate cancer, though they can also signal other prostate conditions. The PSA free to total ratio helps distinguish between cancer and benign conditions. A lower percentage of free PSA may suggest cancer.
Rite Aid offers PSA testing as part of our preventive health panel at Quest Diagnostics locations. We also test prostatic acid phosphatase, which can indicate prostate cancer, and other biomarkers like zinc and vitamin E that relate to prostate health. If blood tests show abnormal results, your doctor may order a prostate biopsy to confirm cancer. Early detection through regular PSA screening can catch cancer before symptoms appear.
Treatment options
- Active surveillance for slow-growing cancers with regular PSA monitoring
- Surgery to remove the prostate gland
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
- Hormone therapy to lower testosterone levels that fuel cancer growth
- Chemotherapy for advanced or aggressive cancers
- Eating more plant-based foods and reducing red meat intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Getting adequate zinc through food or supplements if levels are low
- Regular PSA monitoring to track disease progression
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- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
PSA levels below 4 nanograms per milliliter are generally considered normal. Levels between 4 and 10 suggest possible prostate cancer in about 25% of men. Levels above 10 indicate a 50% or higher chance of cancer. However, PSA levels can be elevated for reasons other than cancer, including prostate infection or enlargement.
Most doctors recommend PSA testing every 1 to 2 years for men starting at age 50. Black men and those with a family history should consider starting at age 45. Men at very high risk may start testing at age 40. Talk to your doctor about the right schedule for your situation.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. However, you can lower your risk through lifestyle choices. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fish while limiting red meat and dairy. Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active. Some studies suggest that adequate zinc intake may help protect prostate health.
An elevated PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, but it does not confirm it. Other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate infection, or inflammation can also raise PSA. Your doctor will consider your age, prostate size, and PSA trends over time. Additional tests like the PSA free to total ratio help determine if cancer is likely.
Many cases of prostate cancer are curable, especially when caught early. Localized prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate near 100%. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. Slow-growing cancers may only need monitoring. The key is early detection through regular PSA screening.
This test compares free-floating PSA to PSA bound to proteins in your blood. A lower percentage of free PSA suggests a higher likelihood of cancer. Men with benign prostate conditions tend to have higher free PSA percentages. A ratio below 10% raises concern for cancer, while a ratio above 25% is more reassuring.
Not always. Your doctor will consider multiple factors before recommending a biopsy. These include how high your PSA is, how quickly it is rising, your age, and your PSA free to total ratio. Some men may need additional testing first, such as an MRI or repeat PSA test. The goal is to avoid unnecessary biopsies while catching dangerous cancers.
Research suggests that diet plays a role in prostate cancer risk. Diets high in red meat and high-fat dairy may increase risk. Plant-based foods, tomatoes rich in lycopene, and fatty fish may offer protection. Zinc from foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds supports prostate health. However, very high vitamin E supplementation may increase risk in some studies.
Active surveillance means monitoring slow-growing prostate cancer without immediate treatment. Your doctor tracks the cancer through regular PSA tests, biopsies, and exams. This approach avoids treatment side effects for cancers unlikely to cause harm. About half of men with low-risk prostate cancer are good candidates for active surveillance.
Black men are about 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it. Researchers are studying genetic factors, hormone differences, and access to healthcare as possible reasons. Black men should consider starting PSA screening at age 45. Early detection through regular testing is especially important for this high-risk group.