Prostate cancer remains surrounded by many misconceptions that may lead some men to delay screenings or ignore consulting a doctor. However, understanding risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic methods can play an important role in early detection and better management of the disease.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men worldwide, according to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which noted that more than 1.5 million new cases were recorded globally in 2024.
Although the risk of the disease is linked to aging, other factors, such as family history and genetics, may also increase the likelihood of developing it.
5 Common Myths About Prostate Cancer
Doctors warn that misinformation can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Here are the top five common myths about prostate cancer:
Myth 1: Prostate cancer only affects older men
It is true that aging is one of the main risk factors for prostate cancer, and the chances of developing it increase with age, but this does not mean the disease is impossible in younger men. Age is not the only factor, as genetics can play an important role in increasing the likelihood of the disease.
For this reason, men with a family history of prostate cancer should pay attention to potential risks, especially if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, given some genetic links between these types of cancer.
Myth 2: A lack of symptoms means there is no disease
This is one of the most common ideas that can provide a false sense of security. In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any obvious symptoms at all, making it insufficient to rely on symptoms alone.
When symptoms do appear, they may resemble those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a more common and non-cancerous condition. These include a weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, an increased or sudden urge to urinate, and sometimes blood in the urine.
Therefore, the absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean the absence of the disease, and a doctor's evaluation remains important, especially for individuals with risk factors.
Myth 3: A prostate cancer diagnosis means there is no hope for a cure
A cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean the outcome is inevitable, and this is especially true for prostate cancer when detected early.
Methods for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer have seen significant development in recent years, and there are now multiple treatment options depending on the stage and type of the disease, as well as the patient's health condition.
These options may include robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, along with other methods determined by the doctor according to each case.
Myth 4: A high PSA level means you have cancer
An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level may be an indicator that requires further testing, but it does not automatically mean a prostate cancer diagnosis.
There are non-cancerous conditions that can also lead to high PSA levels, including prostate inflammation (prostatitis) and urinary retention. For this reason, a high PSA result should not be interpreted as a final diagnosis, but rather evaluated alongside other tests, health factors, and the patient's medical history.
Myth 5: If prostate cancer returns after treatment, nothing else can be done
The return of the disease after treatment can be worrying, but it does not necessarily mean the end of treatment options. Doctors emphasize that managing recurrent prostate cancer depends on several factors, most notably where the disease has returned, the treatment the patient previously received, and their overall health condition.
Based on these factors, doctors can determine the most appropriate approach to manage the condition.
Awareness May Enhance Prevention Chances
Some misconceptions about prostate cancer can be as harmful as ignoring symptoms, as they may lead a man to delay visiting a doctor or ignore risk factors that require monitoring.
Therefore, knowing the risk factors, discussing health concerns with a doctor, and undergoing appropriate medical evaluations when needed are all steps that help men make more informed decisions, thereby enhancing the chances of prevention and survival from prostate cancer.
