Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with 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 witnessed firsthand the life-saving impact of early awareness, screening and healthy lifestyle changes.

Let’s break down what you need to know.

What causes prostate cancer?

While some risk factors—like age and genetics—are out of your control, many prostate cancer cases are linked to lifestyle choices.

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 reduce 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
  • Dark chocolate
  • Whole grain products
  • Fish 
  • Foods and/or dietary supplements containing Vitamin D (like milk), fortified soy beverages, egg yolks, and fish. Spending time in the sun helps your body naturally produce Vitamin D. 

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: Catch it early

When prostate cancer is caught early, it can often be cured.

Who should get screened?

Men 50 and older should talk to their doctor about screening. If you have higher risk factors—like a family history of prostate cancer or Black ethnicity—consider starting at 40.

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.

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. 

If a blood test reveals higher than normal PSA levels, and/or a physician feels something abnormal in a digital rectal exam, other tests may follow to diagnose prostate cancer. These can include MRI tests or follow-up sequential PSA testing, but the ultimate diagnosis is based on a biopsy of the prostate. Further tests may be performed if the results confirm cancer.

What’s new in screening?

Cutting-edge research is steadily improving prostate cancer screening and diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, for instance, are reducing the need for biopsies, with research underway to determine if it can be introduced earlier in the screening process. 

Potential future screening tests, like genetic risk assessments through cheek swabs or saliva samples, are also being investigated. Potential PSA alternatives, meanwhile, include studies of new biomarkers such as ribonucleic acid (RNA) in urine.

Recognizing symptoms: When to see your 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. Detected early and assessed as low or very low risk, prostate cancer can be monitored closely over time without any invasive treatment other than modifying diet and lifestyle.

Surgery to remove the prostate and/or radiation are common treatments for more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. If cancer has spread beyond the prostate, hormone withdrawal therapy may be recommended.

Take the first step

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 complete list of which tests you need and when to consider doing them to screen for common men’s health conditions, including prostate cancer. 

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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