Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. While some cases grow slowly and stay confined to the prostate, others spread aggressively. That’s why Dr. Carlos Vargas, a Mayo Clinic radiation oncologist, urges men to get regular screenings.
“Early detection is key,” says Dr. Vargas. “When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable—often even curable.”
Simple Screening with the PSA Test
Screening starts with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures PSA levels. High levels may indicate cancer, though other conditions can also raise them.
“Men can get this test yearly through their primary care doctor,” says Dr. Vargas. “Based on age and risk factors, further steps can be tailored if needed.”
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Risk factors include:
- Age (most cases occur after 50).
- Family history of prostate or BRCA-related breast cancers.
- Race—Black men in the U.S. face higher risks and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
Not All Cases Require Immediate Treatment
Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that doctors recommend active surveillance—regular monitoring instead of immediate treatment.
“If we detect cancer early, we can watch it and only treat if it becomes aggressive,” explains Dr. Vargas. “But without screening, cancer may spread unnoticed, making cure rates much lower.”
Advanced Treatment Options
If treatment is needed, options include:
- Radiation therapy (including advanced proton beam therapy).
- Hormone therapy, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, and robotic surgery.
Recent advances also show that radiation can help even metastatic cases, especially when cancer hasn’t spread widely.
The Bottom Line
“Prostate cancer screening doesn’t always mean treatment—it means informed choices,” says Dr. Vargas. “Talk to your doctor about your risk and whether screening is right for you.”
Related topics:
