Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Regular prostate cancer screenings can save lives, especially for Utah men over 50.
- Dr. David Gill emphasizes considering life expectancy over age for screening decisions.
- Genetic factors, such as Lynch Syndrome, increase prostate cancer risk, highlighting screening importance.
SALT LAKE CITY — "More men die with prostate cancer than because of it" has become a common phrase used when discussing prostate cancer. While it can be true for some men, the reality is that regular screenings can save a life.
World Prostate Cancer Day is June 11. Taking a few minutes to be aware of the symptoms and the screening process can make all the difference.
With former President Joe Biden being diagnosed with prostate cancer, discussion about the topic has seen an increase. Still, receiving regular screenings for prostate cancer has been deemed controversial in the medical world. Due to opposing studies presented by cancer and medical societies, it has become difficult to know if it is truly necessary to get checked.
"We need to think of patients as a whole person and not consider age as just a number," said Intermountain Health oncologist Dr. David Gill. "A quarter of men in their 70s will make it to 90. … I recommend we consider life expectancy and not just age. For men whose life expectancy is 10 years or greater, I do recommend prostate cancer screening."
Key symptoms of prostate cancer include changes in urinary problems and increased fatigue. With most prostate cancer appearing after age 50, warning symptoms can often be disregarded as aging. As such, regular screenings are not always at the forefront of an individual's mind.
Yet, Gill has seen firsthand how important screenings can be. A patient currently undergoing treatment discovered recently that he has Lynch Syndrome. The condition drastically increases the chances of developing prostate cancer. Through his regular screening, the patient was able to receive treatment for himself, but also help his family to get screened as well.
Lynch Syndrome is commonly found in families, and so the discovery made all the difference in receiving treatment for both men and women in the family.
Regular screenings are not as invasive as many may think, according to Gill. The physical screening is only necessary for advanced stages. The typical screening is done through a bit of blood work. The blood work provides a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, that indicates the presence and severity of cancer.
Utah's cancer rates differ from national trends, largely due to the state's low smoking rates. As a result, Utah has significantly lower incidences of lung cancer. Consequently, prostate cancer is the No. 1 cancer in men throughout Utah.
While lung cancer is inflamed by smoking, prostate cancer can be caused by many factors "out of our control," according to Gill. Genetic factors, different syndromes and race can all play a role in prostate cancer. African American men have a larger chance of developing prostate cancer and should be screened more frequently. Regular screenings can mean a world of difference for the effectiveness of treatments.
"The biggest misconception is that prostate cancer is always an indolent disease. It is true that a lot of men with prostate cancer won't need treatment for it. For low-risk, low-grade disease, we can monitor it," Gill explained. "But, it doesn't take away the fact that prostate cancer can be advanced, aggressive and can be terminal."
Awareness is key to preventing terminal illness, Gill believes.
"I recommend two things. It is great to gather family history. For prostate cancer, it's not only about men in the family, it's also important to ask women who have had breast or ovarian cancer," Gill said. "Discussing with a primary care provider is important. Guidelines vary, so it's a bit complicated, but a primary care provider can have that discussion."
Gill recommends beginning screenings at age 50 for most men. Those with high risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer, can begin screenings as early as 40.
