Prostate Cancer: Are You at Risk?

By: Stephanie Daviduk, PA-C

Fact: Prostate cancer is not an old man’s disease. Prostate cancer is any man’s disease. And the first step to ruling out any chances of developing it is by getting tested for the disease early, in some cases even before you’re 50.

Nearly four in 10 prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men younger than 65, and some are much younger. In fact, 37% of prostate cancer cases occur in men between ages 45 and 64, the Centers for Disease Control reported in May 2024.

This is why you should consider scheduling your first prostate cancer screening at 40 or 45, depending on your risk factors. These factors include:

• Race – African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other race, and at a younger age. African American men are twice as likely to die from the disease than other men.
• Family members – Men with fathers and/or brothers diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of the disease.
• Lifestyle factors – Obesity, smoking, and eating a high ratio of fatty foods (even if you’re not obese) increase the chance of abnormal cell development, which can become cancerous.

Here is another reason to schedule a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for you or a loved one: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, when we can help others learn more about preventing and treating the disease.

A Public Service Announcement About Your PSA

This is why the PSA test, and it’s timing, is important to you.

All of your cells, including your prostate cells, produce a protein called antigen. The volume of antigens your healthy prostate cells, your prostate-specific antigens,  make represents your “baseline” PSA level. This number is unique to you.

Here’s the twist: Healthy cells and cancer cells produce antigens. So if abnormal prostate cells begin reproducing uncontrollably, the level of prostate-specific antigens in your blood will rise as well. In addition to cancer, elevated PSA levels can indicate an enlarged prostate.

A PSA blood test detects these changes, meaning the earlier you get your baseline test, the better your chances of its accuracy.

How Do I Know My Normal Baseline?

There is no one-size-fits-all baseline for PSA; what is high for one man can be low for another. Someone with a PSA level of less than 4 – what was once considered normal – could have cancer, while a man with a PSA level of 8 might not.

What matters is a change in your PSA reading. If it goes up by more than 0.75 points in one year, it could indicate a proliferation of cancer cells.

Certain other events, including prostate inflammation or a urinary tract infection, also can cause PSA levels to fluctuate, so when you test is important. Even ejaculation and vigorous exercise, such as cycling, can cause PSA levels to climb for a day or two.

Can I Make My PSA Level Go Down?

You might be able to lower your PSA level through diet and activity, some studies show. Among doctor-supported tips:

Eat more plants – Fruits, vegetables, and legumes carry nutrients that can boost your immune system and make it harder for cancer cells to proliferate.

Get your vitamin D – This bone-strengthening vitamin also supports immunity. Sunlight is a natural source, or you can get your D from milk, orange juice, cereals, and supplements.

Move your body – Aerobic activities and weightlifting can help lower PSA levels.

If your PSA levels change due to cancer, however, you should seek treatment before it advances. This is why 21 of our physicians and advanced practice providers continually train to treat advanced prostate cancer.

The first step is the test. Know your base.

Read the firsthand story of recovery from one of our prostate cancer patients. We also offer helpful information about advanced prostate cancer care options, as well as genetic testing for prostate cancer.