Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In 2023, it was estimated that about 35,250 deaths from prostate cancer occurred in the United States according to the American Cancer Society.
Unfortunately, there usually aren’t any early warning signs for prostate cancer. The growing tumor does not push against anything to cause pain, so for many years the disease may be silent. That’s why screening for prostate cancer is such an important topic for all men and their families.
How can men screen for prostate cancer? The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the best way to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. It’s typically done along with a rectal exam, because most malignant prostate tumors start nearest the rectum. With these two exams, prostate cancer can be detected when it’s most treatable. High PSA levels may require more tests, such as a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing small samples from the prostate gland. Doctors then look for cancer cells. Biopsies are generally safe. But they are sometimes painful, and they can lead to side effects like a fever or urinary tract infection.
Now scientists have developed a urine test that may help men avoid unnecessary biopsies.
A decade ago, a research team created a urine test to detect prostate cancer. It could identify prostate cancer in its early stages. But the test could not tell the difference between serious cancers and slow-growing cancers. Slow-growing cancers may never need treatment.
In their latest study, the scientists created an improved urine test. They analyzed genes from hundreds of patients with prostate cancer. They found 18 genes in urine that could be used in combination to spot the presence of serious cancers.
They next used the new test to assess the urine of over 700 men with high PSA levels. The test could distinguish aggressive cancers from low-risk cancers. And it could rule out the presence of aggressive cancer with 97% accuracy.
“In nearly 800 patients with an elevated PSA level, the new test was capable of ruling out the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer with remarkable accuracy,” says study co-lead Dr. Jeffrey Tosoian of Vanderbilt University. “This allows patients to avoid more burdensome and invasive tests.”
Prostate cancer risk factors: Though all men should get a PSA test after the age of 50, some may need one sooner, if they have certain prostate cancer risk factors, which include:
- Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk, according to the American Cancer Society. Men who have multiple family members affected have even higher risk so screening should start at age 40.
- Ethnicity: African American men have 60% higher rate of prostate cancer, compared to white American men so they should also begin screening at age 40.
- Diet: A high-fat diet seems to contribute to prostate cancer. Switching to a diet high in the antioxidant lycopene may lower your risk so get plenty of tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon, which contain high levels of lycopene.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Getting regular exercise and keeping weight under control seems to reduce risk for prostate cancer, and especially for aggressive cancer. One survey of nearly 70,000 American men found that those who lost at least 11 pounds over a 10-year period were about 40% less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancers, compared to guys who had little weight change.
- Age: This is the biggest factor. After age 50, prostate cancer risk rises significantly. About two-thirds of all prostate cancers occur in men aged 65 and older.
Source: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov
