Prostate Cancer Myths
True or False: Only older men develop prostate cancer.
What is False.
True or False: You must have a digital rectal exam (DRE) in order to be screened for prostate cancer.
What is False.
What kind of doctors treat prostate cancer?
What are urologist and oncologist.
(If the prostate cancer is caught early, it is typically managed by a urologist. However, if prostate cancer is advanced, the care may be transferred to an oncologist. This provider is also commonly called a cancer doctor.)
True or False: Prostate cancer always causes symptoms
What is False.
(In its early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms)
What tests can be performed outside of a digital rectal exam (DRE) for prostate cancer screening?
What is a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test
(This requires a simple lab draw to check your prostate levels.)
What are the 2 treatments for prostate cancer if it caught EARLY ?
What is active surveillance or surgery.
(If prostate cancer is caught early and located just to the prostate region, a urologist may choose to regularly monitor the cancer or surgically remove the entire prostate gland.)
True or False: Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer and not very dangerous.
What is False.
In some cases prostate cancer grows slowly, but in others it is aggressive and can spread quickly.
(Black men are at higher risk for developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.)
What ages should black men start screening for prostate cancer?
What is ages 40-45.
What are 2 common treatment options for ADVANCED prostate cancer?
What is radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
(There are other in depth treatment options that can be discussed with your trusted provider.)
True or False: Most men who have prostate cancer will die due to prostate cancer.
What is False.
(If caught early prostate cancer has a 98% survival rate.)
True or False: If your PSA level is high, you have prostate cancer.
What is False.
(If your PSA level is high, further and repeated testing is needed.)
If you were just diagnosed with prostate cancer, where do you start?
What is speak to your trusted healthcare provider