FIVE Misconceptions You Might Have About Prostate Cancer

Despite being the most common cancer among Jamaican men and the foremost cause of all cancer-related deaths, prostate cancer remains underdiagnosed. Below, we look at five misconceptions you may be telling yourself about prostate cancer that is putting your life at risk.

1. “I'm too young to get prostate cancer.”

Increasing age is a significant risk factor for this disease, but prostate cancer is not an “old man’s disease”. Up to 10% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients are under 55 years of age. Further, while still rare, a 2020 study found there has been a global increase in early-onset prostate cancer in men under 40 years. 

The misconception that only “old men” are at risk often means younger men are only diagnosed when the disease is well-advanced and more challenging to treat.

2. “I’m too healthy to get prostate cancer.”

“A healthy lifestyle is beneficial for your overall well-being,” explains consultant urologist Dr Elon Thompson. “But while encouraged, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of developing prostate cancer.” As he notes, “many of the risk factors identified for prostate cancer are non-modifiable. They can’t be changed.” 

For example, the foremost risk factor for prostate cancer is just having a prostate, meaning every man is at risk of developing the disease, no matter how much they diet or exercise. Getting older and having a family history are also critical risk factors. 

3. “Prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family.”

As said above, family history is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer. If you have a brother, father, grandfather or uncle with the disease, the chance of developing it yourself increases significantly.

However, most men who develop the disease do not have a family history of the cancer. Other factors can still mean you are at a higher-than-average risk, even if no one else in your family has had it. As Dr Thompson notes: “For example, most Jamaican men are part of the high-risk population because we are of African descent.”

Globally, black men, including black Jamaican men, have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than their non-black counterparts. Additionally, research has also shown black Caribbean men are at a higher risk of developing more aggressive forms of the disease, making annual screenings especially critical for our populations. Generally, all men should start getting screened at 40 years old.

4. “If I had prostate cancer, I would know.”

Prostate cancer can go years without causing any noticeable symptoms. In fact, if you have it, experiencing symptoms, like having difficulty passing urine, may be an indication that the disease is advanced. 

Even when small, cancerous tumours can elevate the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. As such, annual PSA tests and rectal exams can help your doctor identify if anything is wrong and if a biopsy is needed. 

5. “I was fine last year, so I can skip my annual screening.”

“Prostate cancer is heterogenous,” explains Dr Thompson. “Every case is unique.” While some types of prostate cancers can take years to develop, more aggressive, fast-growing types exist. Early detection is, therefore, critical. 

“Until it is diagnosed by biopsy, the course the disease will take cannot be predicted.” By skipping an annual screening, you may miss a critical chance of improving your odds against the disease.