Every November, men across Canada grow moustaches not just for fun, but for a cause; raising awareness for men’s health.
Among the many issues highlighted during Movember, prostate cancer stands at the forefront. It’s the most common cancer among Canadian men, with the Canadian Cancer Society estimating that about 27,900 men will be diagnosed this year, and 1 in 8 will face a diagnosis in their lifetime.
At PharmaChoice, we believe that knowledge and awareness can save lives.
Understanding what prostate cancer is, how to recognize the signs, and when to get screened can make all the difference.
Early detection often leads to more effective treatment, helping men stay healthy, active, and present for the people who matter most.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know, including common prostate cancer signs, risk factors, prevention tips and screening recommendations.
Understanding Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Should Know
The prostate is a small gland in men located just between the penis and bladder. Its main role is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour. It’s a disease that often progresses slowly, and, many times, is caught before it spreads.
While survival rates are generally high, thanks to advances in screening and treatment, it remains a serious concern that requires ongoing attention, especially as men age.
However, it’s important to note that not all prostate issues point toward cancer, with some concerns being the result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition that can cause similar urinary symptoms but does not spread beyond the gland.
Recognizing Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many men feel perfectly healthy, which is why regular screening is so important.
Early-Stage Signs
In the beginning, prostate cancer may cause subtle urinary changes that are easy to overlook. BC Cancer highlights some key early-stage signs to watch for, including:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- The need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Feeling like the bladder doesn’t fully empty
Some men might also notice blood in their urine or semen or experience erectile dysfunction. While these symptoms don’t always mean cancer, they should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Advanced Symptoms
When prostate cancer advances beyond the prostate gland, symptoms may become more noticeable. These can include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or low energy
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Swelling in the legs
Enlarged Prostate vs. Prostate Cancer: Understanding the Difference
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that can mimic the symptoms of prostate cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the prostate often doesn’t stop growing throughout a man’s life, which may be caused by changes in hormone levels as they age.
Both BPH and prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms, including difficulty urinating or increased frequency, which often leads to confusion and worry. The difference lies in how the conditions behave:
- BPH is benign, meaning it doesn’t spread or threaten life.
- Prostate cancer involves abnormal cell growth, which can spread if left untreated.
Sometimes, men experience both conditions at once, making diagnosis more complex. For this reason, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper testing.
If urinary symptoms are affecting daily life, or if there’s blood in urine or semen, a medical evaluation should not be delayed.
Prostate Cancer Screening: Tests and Recommendations
Screening helps detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear. In Canada, two main tests are used:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – A simple blood test that measures PSA levels, a protein made by the prostate. Elevated PSA can signal cancer, but also other conditions like infection or BPH.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – A healthcare professional gently feels the prostate through the rectum to check for irregularities.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, men with an average risk should begin discussing screening at age 50. However, those who face a higher risk, such as men who have a family history of prostate cancer or men of African or Caribbean ancestry, should consider screening earlier, around age 45.
Screening decisions should always be personalized. Not every man needs to be screened yearly, but an open discussion with a healthcare provider can help weigh the benefits and risks.
Regular checkups give men peace of mind and the best chance of catching potential problems early.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
Several factors increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Some can’t be changed, like age, genetics, and family history, but others are linked to lifestyle and overall health.
Concrete Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
- Age: The risk rises sharply after age 50.
- Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles the risk.
- Ethnicity: Men of African or Caribbean descent are at higher risk.
- Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2) may also play a role.
Prevention and Lifestyle Choices
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, and the risks above are unavoidable, adopting healthy habits may help lower your risk of being diagnosed. These may include:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes and berries, may help support prostate health.
- Limiting processed meats and high-fat foods, which may contribute to inflammation.
- Staying physically active, as exercise supports hormone balance and immune function.
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use to support overall health.
Taking a proactive approach helps reduce your risk and can help keep you healthier long-term.
Treatment Options and Support Resources
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, there are several effective treatment options available. The choice depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences.
Common Treatment Options
- Active Surveillance: For slow-growing or low-risk cases, doctors may monitor the cancer closely rather than treat it immediately.
- Surgery (Prostatectomy): Removes the prostate gland and surrounding tissue when cancer is localized.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: Helps lower testosterone levels, slowing cancer growth.
Advancements in imaging, radiation precision, and hormone treatments have improved survival rates and quality of life for many men.
Support and Mental Health
A diagnosis can be emotionally challenging for both the patient and their family. Counselling, support groups, and peer programs can offer comfort and shared understanding.
The Movember Foundation also funds men’s health initiatives, connecting individuals to education and emotional support resources.
Complementary Approaches
While medical treatment remains the cornerstone of care, some complementary strategies can improve well-being during and after treatment:
- Dietary supplements: Always discuss these with your healthcare provider, as evidence varies and some may interact with medications.
- Stress management: Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and support recovery.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking improves healing, circulation, and overall treatment outcomes.
At PharmaChoice pharmacies, we support these lifestyle changes through personalized advice and connecting patients with community programs that encourage long-term wellness.
How Your PharmaChoice Pharmacist Can Support You
Your local PharmaChoice pharmacist is here to help you take control of your prostate health with personalized, confidential care. We can assist with medication management, ensuring that any prescriptions or over-the-counter products you’re using work safely together and that side effects are properly monitored.
If you’re making lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, or quitting smoking, our pharmacists can provide tailored advice and connect you with helpful programs and resources available in your community.
Most importantly, we work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive seamless, coordinated care.
Whether you’re managing treatment side effects or have questions about prostate health, we’re always ready to listen and support you in confidence.
Taking Action This Movember and Beyond
Movember is more than a campaign; it’s a movement to change the way men think about their health. By starting conversations, getting screened, and supporting one another, we can make a lasting difference in men’s lives.
We encourage you to take time this month to check in on your health and the health of the men you care about. Schedule your screenings, talk to your doctor, and reach out for guidance when needed.
This Movember, take charge of your prostate health. Visit your local PharmaChoice pharmacy to speak with a pharmacist about screening, symptoms, and support resources available in your community.
