Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. One in eight men will face it in their lifetime. Despite this, there is a silver lining: prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early.

As the Executive Director of the Vancouver Prostate Centre and Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia, I’ve seen firsthand how awareness, screening, and lifestyle choices can save lives.

What causes prostate cancer?

Some risk factors are beyond your control, like age, family history, or certain inherited genes (such as BRCA1/2). However, there are some lifestyle choices that you can control that play a significant role.

Prostate cancer rates are higher in Canada and the U.S. compared to Asian countries. Men who move from Asia to North America often adopt our higher risk profile, likely due to changes in diet.

North American diets tend to be higher in saturated fats, trans fats, refined sugars, and red meat, all of which are associated with increased prostate cancer risk. In contrast, Asian diets often include more omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts, which may help protect the prostate.

How to lower your risk

Eat more of these foods

Although researchers don’t fully understand the connection between prostate cancer and diet, studies suggest that eating more of these foods can reduce your risk of prostate cancer:

  • Leafy greens, tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
  • Soy protein, like edamame and tofu
  • Green tea and dark chocolate (in moderation)
  • Whole grains
  • Fish, especially fatty fish rich in omega-3s 
  • Foods or supplements with Vitamin D (milk, fortified soy, egg yolks, salmon, tuna). Time in the sun also helps your body produce Vitamin D naturally.

Get moving

Regular exercise can help prevent most forms of cancer and many other diseases by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and fighting some of the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle. 

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly—walking, yard work, or any movement that gets you moving counts.

Quit smoking

Smoking has been linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. If you smoke and quitting feels overwhelming, cutting back is a start.

There’s no shame in getting support. Talk to your doctor or check out these practical tools to help you quit.

The importance of screening

Early detection saves lives. But screening isn’t one-size-fits-all. When prostate cancer is caught early, it can often be cured.

Current Canadian guidance

  • Over 70: Screening is usually not recommended unless you’re very healthy and expected to live 10+ more years.
  • Ages 55–69: Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of a PSA blood test. This is called shared decision-making. Together, you weigh the benefits (early detection) against the risks (false positives, unnecessary tests, or treatment side effects).
  • Higher-risk men (family history, Black men, BRCA1/2 carriers): Start the conversation earlier, around age 40–45.

What tests are involved?

  • A PSA blood test measures a protein produced by the prostate. High PSA doesn’t confirm cancer but signals the need for further checks.
  • A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical exam of the prostate through the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems abnormal.
  • Follow-up tests: If results are abnormal, your doctor may order an MRI, additional PSA tests, or a biopsy (the only way to confirm cancer).

Both tests together are better than one. Your first results will determine the frequency of future tests, which range from once a year to every 2-3 years. 

What’s new in screening?

  • MRI scans are reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies and may play a bigger role earlier in the process.
  • Blood and urine biomarkers (like the Prostate Health Index or RNA tests) are under study to improve accuracy.
  • Genetic testing via saliva or cheek swabs could help personalize risk assessment in the future.

Symptoms: When to see a doctor

Symptoms usually only show up as the cancer advances, though those listed below can also be due to other problems and must be checked out by a healthcare professional:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
  • Weak or slow urine stream
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Trouble getting an erection
  • Pain or stiffness in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away
  • Fatigue

Treatment options: What to expect

Treatment plans depend on the type, stage and risk factors of prostate cancer for each individual case.

  • Low-risk cases: Often monitored with “active surveillance” (regular testing and lifestyle changes) rather than immediate treatment.
  • More aggressive cancers: Surgery to remove the prostate and/or radiation therapy.
  • Advanced disease: Hormone therapy and newer medications that target cancer spread.

While treatment is often successful, side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction are possible. This is why weighing the decision to screen — and when to treat — is so important.

Take the first step

As they say, knowledge is power. Use the free Men’s Health Check tool to assess your risk level for prostate cancer and seven other common men’s health conditions.

Download the Men’s Health Checklist for a guide to what tests to consider and when.

Staying informed, making healthy lifestyle choices, getting regular screening, and knowing your symptoms and treatment options can help you take control of your health.

Is there anything else you’d like to learn about prostate cancer? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

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