Although prostate cancer is common – 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime – many men avoid talking about it or hear myths or misconceptions about the disease. With all this confusion, many men avoid screenings, misread symptoms, ignore diagnoses, and do not get the care they need. So, let’s clear things up by dispelling some common prostate cancer myths.

Myth: If you have no symptoms, you don’t have prostate cancer.

Fact: Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, so it’s easy to miss. More advanced prostate cancer can cause symptoms such as trouble urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, bone pain, and erectile dysfunction, which are commonly attributed to other health conditions or general signs of aging. This is why open and honest communication with your doctor and regular screenings are vital!

Myth: If you have no family history of the disease, you probably won’t develop prostate cancer.

Fact: While your odds of developing prostate cancer increase with a family history of the disease, not all cases are hereditary. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. Beyond family history, risk factors include race, age, diet, and lifestyle choices.

Myth: A PSA test looks for cancer.

Fact: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures protein levels produced by the prostate gland. While elevated PSA levels are common in men with prostate cancer, heightened levels could also indicate non-cancerous conditions like an inflamed, infected, or enlarged prostate. A PSA test is a common first step to prostate cancer diagnosis, but a biopsy is required to confirm the disease.

Myth: A prostate cancer diagnosis is a death sentence.

Fact: While prostate cancer is a serious disease, it’s highly treatable, especially when identified and treated early. Around 80–85% of all prostate cancers are detected in the local or regional stages (stages I, II, and III). Many men diagnosed and treated at these stages will be disease-free after five years. The 10-year survival rate is 98%, and the 15-year survival rate is 95%. Screenings are vital for this reason – the earlier the disease is caught, the better your chances of survival are.

Myth: Prostate cancer treatment causes impotence or incontinence.

Fact: Prostate cancer treatments, like any other disease or treatment, can have side effects such as erectile dysfunction, urinary problems, or bowel issues. However, not all men will experience these side effects. In fact, some men with prostate cancer will not experience any disruptions to their daily lives post-treatment.

Myth: If you had a vasectomy, you’re more likely to get prostate cancer.

Fact: Vasectomies were once believed to increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. However, this issue has been carefully researched by epidemiologists who have determined that vasectomies have not been linked to an increased risk of getting prostate cancer. Men who have had a vasectomy do visit urologists more often, which leads to the earlier detection of prostate cancer. Therefore, having a vasectomy does not increase your chances of developing the disease; it simply makes it more likely that you’ll catch it early – during one of those visits – if you do have it.

How Grand Oaks Supports Residents’ Health

At Grand Oaks, you’ll always have easy access to top-notch medical care. Situated on the grounds of Sibley Memorial Hospital and affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Grand Oaks residents have direct access to award-winning medical care, as well as emergency, aquatic, and restorative care services. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide nursing support whenever you need it and answer any questions you have.