Prostate cancer screening improves early detection and outcomes 

Prostate cancer is a leading cancer among men, with the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicting that approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives. 

Prostate cancer can be serious. However, finding it early through regular screening greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

The National Institute of Health indicates a 97%, five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. In a recent study, University of Florida physicians reported that five years after treatment, 99% of the patients were cancer free if they had low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. 76% of patients with high-risk prostate cancer were cancer free at five years. Read more about prostate cancer survival rates after proton therapy.

Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms like difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pelvic discomfort occur, the cancer may have already advanced. Screening allows doctors to detect the disease early, even before symptoms arise, giving men a much better chance of effective treatment and a full recovery.

The usual screening for prostate cancer generally includes two primary tests: the blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the digital rectal examination (DRE). The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with higher levels potentially indicating cancer. The DRE allows doctors to check the prostate gland for abnormalities physically.

Lee Moultrie III started screening at an early age and became an advocate for prostate cancer screenings especially for men of color. Read more about his prostate cancer journey.

The ACS recommends that men have an informed discussion with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening at the following ages:

• Age 50: For men at average risk of prostate cancer.
• Age 45: For men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.
• Age 40: For men at very high risk, including those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.

Prostate cancer screening is a vital tool in men’s health, but each person must choose his own approach to screening based on several things. Each man’s risk factors, family history and overall health should guide the decision. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle and open communication with healthcare providers are key components in the fight against prostate cancer.

If you're approaching the recommended screening age or have concerns about prostate cancer, don’t wait - schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today. Early detection could save your life.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov). Together, we can raise awareness and make prostate cancer a disease of the past.

What to Do If Your PSA Levels Rise: A Guide to Next Steps

An elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) can be concerning, but it’s important to know that prostate cancer is just one of several possible causes. Factors such as age, recent physical activity or even an infection can also lead to higher PSA levels.

While an elevated PSA should be taken seriously, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer. Your primary care provider will likely recommend further testing or interventions before referring you to a urologist. If there’s a strong suspicion of prostate cancer, you’ll be referred for a biopsy.

A prostate biopsy is a standard outpatient procedure where a urologist collects small tissue samples from the prostate gland to check for cancerous cells. 

In recent years, MRI-guided biopsies have become more common, improving accuracy by targeting specific areas of concern rather than relying on random samples. If a biopsy is suggested, ask your doctor whether MRI-guided options are available.

What If You’re Told, “You Have Prostate Cancer”?

Hearing the word “cancer” can be overwhelming. Once the initial shock passes, it’s time to focus on your options. The good news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable, with a variety of effective therapies available.

Exploring Treatment Options

Treatment choices for prostate cancer range from prostate surgery, radiation or freezing cancerous tissue, to name just a few. Each approach comes with its own benefits, side effects and levels of invasiveness.

External beam radiation therapy is a common non-invasive treatment that involves targeted radiation sessions, usually five days a week for four to eight weeks. Photon or X-ray-based therapy is the most common form of external beam radiation. A radiation oncologist prescribes this treatment and typically utilizes a linear accelerator to deliver therapeutic doses of radiation.

Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation that uses particle radiation instead of traditional photon radiation. Its precision allows radiation to stop precisely at the tumor site, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Because of lower doses of radiation to normal tissues, patients tend to tolerate the treatment well and have little side effects during and after their cancer treatments. 

Choosing a prostate cancer treatment plan can feel daunting, but knowledge is power. Speak with your healthcare providers, consult with specialists and don’t hesitate to reach out to other patients or caregivers who have been through the process. 

Prostate cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take the time to ask questions, gather information and weigh your options carefully. With the right support and medical guidance, you can confidently navigate your journey toward recovery.

Following prostate cancer treatment, PSA levels typically decline gradually over one to two years. Around two years post-treatment, radiation oncologists generally expect PSA levels to reach their lowest point, or "nadir." While slight fluctuations in PSA levels over time are normal, a sustained increase may signal a recurrence of prostate cancer. 

If you’re interested in learning more about proton beam therapy for prostate cancer treatment, please contact the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute for more information.