Some Myths And Myth Busters About Prostate Cancer

I have spoken to many people and done plenty of research on prostate cancer. My father was diagnosed over a decade ago with this disease, and this is when my journey started. My father's anxiety level shot through the roof. This affected his decisions related to the management of his disease.

One thing prostate cancer made me learn is that everything you read, or everything someone tells you, is not always true. Yep, I said it. There is a thing called myths, which can circulate about everything around the world. When I was helping my father when he got diagnosed, I was unlucky to have been a target of these myths. It's why I do not want men to fall for myths about prostate cancer. Do your research first.

Breaking down some myths

Symptoms

Myth: you can’t have prostate cancer without any symptoms.
Reality: this is truly a myth, yes you can. Prostate cancer can be asymptomatic and stay in your body without giving any indicators. Many people get diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine check-up.

Treatment

Myth: a doctor tells you that you have prostate cancer; get treatment as soon as you can.
Reality: some would say that this is a myth. Treatment is not always required right away for this; some men are diagnosed at earlier stages and prefer active surveillance. Check with your doctor on the best option for you.

Age at diagnosis

Myth: only older males can get prostate cancer.
Reality: it is a myth because while prostate cancer usually attacks older males, younger people can get it, too.

Risk factors for having prostate cancer can include several factors: lifestyle, ethnicity, physical health, and family history. Any of these factors can contribute to the roots of prostate cancer.

PSA levels

Myth: you have prostate cancer if you have a higher PSA.
Reality: it is a myth because there are other conditions in which the PSA level can also be high.

Usually, people with prostate cancer have higher PSA levels in the blood. However, there is another non-cancerous condition that affects PSA levels, and it is prostate enlargement. So, if someone has a higher PSA, it's possible he might have prostate enlargement instead of prostate cancer. A biopsy, among other testing methods, may help reveal more accurate results.

Vasectomy

Myth: have you undergone a vasectomy? You will get prostate cancer.
Reality: while some research has looked at a possible increased risk of prostate cancer following a vasectomy, there is no guarantee of this.¹

Sex

Myth: having too much sex definitely leads to prostate cancer.
Reality: while some research has explored the possibility of correlations between sex and prostate cancer, experts say it's hard to draw a direct line between the two in terms of a cause.²

Just do your research and ask questions.