According to the American Cancer Society, one in every eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Presently, prostate cancer is ranked just behind lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Yet, many individuals survive this ordeal and go on to live healthy lives. Early detection is at the top of the list of prostate cancer risk factors that influence whether a person survives this cancer or not.
How To Lower Your Prostate Cancer Risk
There are several prostate cancer risk factors that you should be aware of. These include getting older, your ethnicity (prostate cancer is more common in African Americans), genetics, family history, and lifestyle. There are also several potentially modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and diet. Yet, the single most important thing you can do to lower your prostate cancer risk is to go for regular screenings. Just by skipping this test, men potentially raise their prostate cancer risk by a significant 45%. Early detection means treatments can be implemented quickly, significantly improving outcomes.
The PSA Screening Studies
The ERSPC (European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer) has been collecting data for the last two decades. The study involved tens of thousands of men from seven European countries. Based on their findings, it was estimated that the chances of dying from prostate cancer could be reduced by 20% if individuals attended regular screenings. Yet, it has been found that fewer and fewer men actually go for these check-ups annually. This decrease in attendance has been directly linked to a rise in prostate cancer risk. This discovery was made by researchers from the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
Findings of the Netherlands Study
Out of the sample group of 72,460 male participants, one in every six had missed every scheduled appointment. The study found that these participants were at a 45% higher risk of dying from prostate cancer. The lead author of the study, Dr. Renée Leenen, suggested that individuals who shy away from regular screenings are ‘care avoiders.’ These types of people typically neglect beneficial health practices and preventative measures. On the flip side, those who do attend screenings tend to live healthier lifestyles in general.
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Encouraging Attendance
Researchers and healthcare practitioners are still uncertain as to why some men attend these screenings and others do not. Dr. Leenen feels that it’s important that we learn why some men decide not to attend these crucial appointments. If they could uncover the determining factors that stop men from attending screenings, they could more effectively create programs that educate and encourage men about the benefits. The data gathered from this study was recently shared at the European Association of Urology Congress in Madrid, Spain. Their goal is to bring these issues to public light and, hopefully, inspire change around the world.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
As mentioned earlier, men who attend regular screenings also tend to lead healthier lifestyles. Factors such as the ability to manage stress, the amount of exercise, and the type of diet all help determine your risk. It has been found that those who regularly attend screenings are also more likely to consider the other prostate cancer risk factors. But what about those who do not attend screenings? What are their reasons? It seems that the main reasons that men miss these screenings, or neglect their health in general, are denial, fear, and busy lifestyles. Some men may also consider prostate screenings to be evasive and emascualting, which may put them off from going.
The Advances in Prostate Screening
Many men tend to avoid screenings because they consider them invasive. This is mainly because doctors previously employed a technique called the digital rectal exam. This technique requires that a doctor insert a finger into the rectum to check the condition of the prostate gland. While it is sometimes still used, it has mostly been replaced with a simple blood test called the Prostate-Specific Antigen test. This test measures the levels of this antigen in the bloodstream, allowing doctors to determine if there are potential prostate issues. This test only requires a quick draw of blood, yet it can potentially mean the difference between life and death.
The Bottom Line
There are many prostate cancer risk factors to consider if you wish to avoid this disease. Yet, the easiest way to determine if there are issues or receive timely treatment is to go for regular screenings. Not only are they effective, but they are also not as evasive as they once were. Additionally, doctors now have access to additional diagnostic tools that make a diagnosis even more accurate, such as biopsies and MRI scans. There really is nothing to lose by going for a test and much peace of mind to gain. If the test comes out negative, then you have nothing to worry about for another year. If it comes out positive, then you will have caught it early enough to receive effective treatment. The downside of not attending, however, could result in very negative outcomes, increasing your risk of developing prostate cancer significantly.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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