9 Myths About Prostate Cancer

Dr.Parveen Jain, 4 mins read

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can trigger many feelings, such as fear, depression, and anxiety. Many things come to mind in such a situation, including what to do next and how to treat it. During that period, many people also get into the trap of misleading information and half-truths, which affects the treatment process. Here we have combined 9 common myths and unraveled the facts behind them. So, let's get started!

Myth 1: Sexual Activity Raise the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Fact: This is not true. Instead, its inverse is true. Many studies reveal that more sex may lower the risk of prostate cancer. One such study conducted in 2016 shows that ejaculating more than 20 times per month reduced prostate cancer risk by 20% compared to those who only ejaculate four to seven times a month. That's because ejaculation clears the cancer-causing substances from the prostate. Even experts assert that safe sex and masturbation have positive psychological effects.

Myth 2: Prostate Cancer Only Affect Those Above 65 Years of Age

Fact: While it's true that 70% of prostate cancer patients are above 65 years of age, it doesn't mean it only affects older adults. It has also hampered the life of many young people. Those with a family history, especially in the first degree of relatives, are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. With each birthday after the 65s, the chances of prostate cancer also go up, and the treatment becomes more complicated.

Myth 3: People with Prostate Cancer Don't Die

Fact: While it's true that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don't die from it, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Prostate cancers are also called indolent because they grow slowly and can be monitored over the course of many years without other treatment. However, they can rarely grow aggressively. 

Many don't take prostate cancer seriously, thinking it will not affect them, but we can't put a curtain on its complications. Ignoring the need for further tests and treatment is a downright deadly way of approaching the complications.

Myth 4: Anyone with an Increased PSA Level Has Prostate Cancer

Fact: PSA (Prostate-specific Antigen) is a protein spawned by the prostate gland's normal or malignant cells. This protein helps in the liquefaction of semen to improve its motility. In patients with prostate cancer, the level of PSA is often high. To check the level, there's a test called the PSA test that includes taking a blood sample and then analysing it in the laboratory.

Although there's a no-specific normal or abnormal level of PSA in the blood, PSA equal to and lower than 4.0 ng/ml is often considered normal. However, a raised PSA level beyond the normal range doesn't always mean prostate cancer. 

Increased PSA only gives clues about prostate cancer. To confirm the presence of prostate cancer, you need further evaluation with Digital Rectal Examination and Biopsy  . Also, not every patient with prostate cancer has raised PSA. 

Myth 5: I Don't Have a Family History of Prostate Cancer So I Won't Suffer From It

Fact: The scrutiny of all the recorded prostate cancer cases reveals that only a few have a family history of it, and most don't. So, don't ignore the symptoms (troubled and frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, painful ejaculation, and blood in the semen or urine).  

Myth 6: Avoid PSA Tests

Fact: Some experts recommend avoiding regular PSA tests, but this is not necessarily because the test has any harmful effect on health. The real problem is anxiety and faulty interpretation of PSA results. As a result, some men may undergo invasive biopsies that are not needed. Even if anyone has slow-growing prostate cancer, they may be treated aggressively.

As discussed earlier, there's no specific normal and abnormal level of PSA; many people interpret a high level of PSA as a sign of prostate cancer. But in reality, there could be many reasons behind the raised PSA level, like an ejaculation, bicycling, etc.

Myth 7: Prostate Cancer Always Require Radiotherapy or Surgery

Fact: In many cases, organ-confined prostate cancers require surgery or radiotherapy treatments. But not all times this is compulsory. In cases where a patient's life expectancy is fewer than 10 years due to age or health conditions, treatment is offered differently.

In situations, where cancer has spread to other body parts or lymph nodes, patient is tested with medications only. These medications are only intended to control the disease, not to cure it.

Myth 8: Prostate Cancer Will Always Have Urinary Symptoms

Fact: Many patients with prostate cancer experience urinary symptoms. But this is not true for all patients. Swelling in the feet, abdominal and bone pain, and raised PSA can all indicate prostate cancer based on the extent of the disease.

Myth 9: Prostate Cancer Treatment Always Causes Sexual Disorder

Fact: It has been found that some patients have impotence after a localised prostate cancer treatment. Erectile dysfunction or impotence can be prevented if you choose the right surgeon who is well-versed in tackling the various complexities of the procedure. 

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, always seek a second opinion so you can make an informed decision on which treatment path to choose. 

Also, Read: National Cancer Awareness Day: What You Need to Do?