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Best Prostate Supplements: Top 10 Prostate Health Pills Of 2023
Prostate health is an integral part of the male reproductive system that affects sexual function and urination. Some of the most common prostate health issues for men include prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the enlargement of the prostate.
If you're experiencing any prostate-related health issues, there's a variety of prostate supplements on the market that may be able to help. From vitamins that support prostate health to natural prostate supplements that combine multiple ingredients into a single capsule, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
To help you find the right product for your needs, we've reviewed some of the best prostate supplements available. Each of the supplements for prostate health below have been evaluated on a variety of factors including ingredients, reviews, benefits, price, and guarantee.
10 Best Prostate Supplements of 2023Prostadine is an all-natural prostate supplement that you can take in the form of liquid drops. To combat the effects of toxin and mineral buildup in your urinary tract, which can cause prostate health issues, Prostadine leverages plant-based ingredients that help flush out your urinary system and strengthen prostate function.
BenefitsProstadine offers the following benefits for men's health:
Additionally, the supplement doesn't contain stimulants, GMOs, or chemicals. The ingredients in Prostadine's effective blend are completely organic and have no reported side effects.
Dietary supplements can work differently depending on the person, so Prostadine comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, enabling you to try the prostate supplement risk-free. If you aren't happy with the results within 60 days of your order, you can return your unused Prostadine for a full refund.
Prostadine also comes with a discount if you buy the bottles in a bundle. Purchasing six bottles allows you to get a 180-day supply for a few hundred dollars less than buying the bottles individually over six months. The bundles also come with two complimentary e-books containing tips on detoxing your kidneys and enhancing your libido.
How It WorksThe Prostadine formula contains a carefully crafted combination of beneficial ingredients for supporting prostate health, improving urinary function, and enhancing sleep.
The prostate supplement protects your body from external threats like minerals and toxins that come from the public water system in the U.S. Hard water can cause unhealthy buildup over time, but Prostadine aims to prevent and reverse the negative impact on your prostate by clearing your body of harmful substances.
The recommended daily dose of Prostadine is two droppers, or 2 ml, per day. It's best to take your dose in the morning after shaking the bottle well to ensure you thoroughly mix the ingredients. You can either drop the liquid directly into your mouth or add it to your coffee, tea, or drink of choice.
IngredientsA few of the primary ingredients in Prostadine include:
Saw palmetto extract, which comes from a tree native to North America, is a very common ingredient in prostate supplements because of its powerful effect on urinary and prostate health. Wakame extract and kelp powder support bladder function and keep your body free of toxins, while pomegranate extract promotes healthy blood flow and boosts testosterone levels.
Prostadine also includes neem and shilajit, which both provide antioxidant benefits and help you sleep better.
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#2. ProstaClear: Great Supplement for Prostate Enlargement (BPH)ProstaClear is one of the leading prostate health supplements because it's one of the few solutions that target hormonal imbalance, which may be linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The ingredients in ProstaClear come from plants and have properties that help rebalance your hormones, reduce prostate size, and lower urinary tract symptoms.
The prostate supplement focuses on reducing symptoms of BPH, including urinary symptoms, to improve the quality of life of men with prostate diseases.
BenefitsThese are the main benefits of taking ProstaClear:
ProstaClear has no artificial ingredients, toxins, fillers, or GMOs, making it safe for everyday consumption. Like many prostate supplements available online, you can save a significant amount of money by ordering bundles instead of single bottles of the dietary supplements.
Additionally, Prostaclear has one of the best customer satisfaction policies. With a 180-day money-back guarantee, you have about six months to test ProstaClear risk-free.
Since ProstaClear can reduce your BPH symptoms in as little as 30 days, 180 days should be plenty of time to find out if the prostate health supplements work for you. If not, you can contact support for a refund — no returns necessary.
How It WorksProstaClear has two primary functions: decrease the conversion of testosterone into estrogen and remove excess estrogen from your body. The prostate health supplement does this with clinically and historically proven ingredients that naturally inhibit estrogen production to increase testosterone levels and support your liver to flush out estrogen.
To improve your prostate health with ProstaClear, you have to follow a simple routine. You'll take two capsules daily, preferably at night. These two pills contain potent quantities of each beneficial ingredient, ensuring you can experience the effectiveness of these prostate health supplements.
IngredientsThe three main ingredients that address hormonal imbalance are:
Chrysin is an effective inhibitor of an enzyme known as aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. It can help boost testosterone levels, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system.
Indole 3 carbinol helps reduce estrogen levels in your body by speeding up your liver function, which could aid in decreasing the size of your prostate gland. The last primary ingredient, Eurycoma longifolia, boosts testosterone levels, an especially valuable benefit for aging men who might experience a drop in the hormone.
ProstaClear also contains a lineup of natural supplements, like fenugreek extract and nettle root, to lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH and improve your overall health.
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#3. VigRX Prostate Support: Good Prostate Pills for EDVigRX Prostate Support is one of the top prostate health supplements available, and it's a favorite choice for men experiencing a dip in libido. An enlarged prostate can cause sexual dysfunction on top of the typical symptoms, including difficulty urinating and frequent urination.
The VigRX prostate health supplement uses organic ingredients to mitigate the symptoms of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It can also help prevent BPH and improve your overall urinary and sexual health.
BenefitsTaking VigRX Prostate Support can reward you with the following benefits:
You can save money by purchasing multiple bottles of VigRX at once, and buying the six-month supply gets you the maximum discount. You can even choose to pay over time if you want a more flexible payment plan.
If you try the VigRX prostate supplement and aren't satisfied with the outcome, you can return the unused supplements and empty bottles within 67 days of receiving your order. You'll get the full purchase price back, but the refund excludes shipping and handling.
How It WorksThe natural ingredients in VigRX Prostate Support give various parts and functions of your body a healthy boost, including your prostate and urinary tract systems. The clinically tested formula aims to reduce the chance of developing prostate issues and alleviate existing BPH symptoms, like prostate enlargement and urination problems.
The directions for this VigRX dietary supplement recommend taking three capsules daily at mealtimes. As you continue taking the supplement, the ingredients will start to work their magic, improving your prostate health and sexual function.
IngredientsThe main ingredients in VigRX include:
The popular prostate health supplement ingredient, saw palmetto, provides a host of advantages, such as improving urinary health and lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. High levels of DHT might lead to an enlarged prostate when your testosterone levels become low, which happens naturally as you age.
Beta-sitosterol is a plant-based substance that can inhibit the activity of a specific enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT levels. In some studies, men with BPH who took beta-sitosterol prostate supplements noted improved urinary symptoms and better urinary flow.
Stinging nettle and pygeum are common ingredients in herbal medicine around the world. The uses of these herbs include addressing prostate enlargement, supporting urinary health, and fighting erectile dysfunction.
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#4. Fluxactive: Popular Supplement for Frequent UrinationThis popular prostate supplement has a scientifically backed proprietary formula that includes 14 minerals, herbs, antioxidants, and vitamins vital for bladder and prostate health. Fluxactive is an all-in-one dietary supplement that offers complete support for men who want to prevent or treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BenefitsFluxactive takes a holistic approach to prostate health, using a variety of ingredients to provide the following advantages:
Fluxactive is free of chemicals, toxic fillers, gluten, and GMOs, and it's suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The manufacturer handles the high-quality ingredients according to the USDA National Organic Program, and they make the supplement in an FDA-registered and inspected facility.
If you try the product for a couple of months but aren't happy with the results, the supplement company offers a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee. As long as you return the product bottles within 60 days of receiving your order, you can get a full refund.
As a bonus for purchasing a 180-day supply of Fluxactive, you get a massive discount and free shipping in the U.S. The bundle also comes with four free digital info guides to help you get on track with your prostate health.
How It WorksThis prostate health supplement contains a meticulously researched formula designed to address various issues that lead to prostate disease and give your body a boost to improve prostate function, immunity, fatigue, and more.
By taking this prostate health supplement, you get an effective daily dose of naturally helpful ingredients. To benefit from Fluxactive's powerful proprietary blend, you only need to take two capsules per day, morning or night.
IngredientsThe following are a few of the high-quality, effective natural ingredients in Fluxactive:
Chinese ginseng is a common herb for maintaining prostate health, and it synergizes well with other prostate-supporting ingredients in the formula, like saw palmetto and damiana. Vitamin E, along with cayenne and inosine, supports prostate health and provides many other general health benefits.
Many of the ingredients in Fluxactive, such as ginkgo biloba, vitamin B3, and epimedium sagittatum, offer a wide range of benefits for your body, including improved bladder function, enhanced immune system, and strengthened joints and cartilage.
Muira puama is an organic substance that boosts energy levels and fights off fatigue, a function it shares with another ingredient in Fluxactive, catuaba. Catuaba is a plant from Brazil that many people use to treat or prevent erectile dysfunction.
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What Are Prostate Supplements?Prostate supplements are blends of natural ingredients that companies finely tune to tackle various prostate health issues. They typically come in the form of capsules, but some supplements, such as Prostadine, are liquid. In either case, you should take these prostate health supplements daily to provide your body with effective doses of each ingredient.
A prostate health supplement primarily addresses the symptoms of problems with your prostate gland, including:
While prostate supplements can't cure chronic prostatitis or stop you from developing prostate cancer, there's some clinical evidence backing up their use for alleviating the symptoms associated with these diseases.
Besides helping with the irritating urinary symptoms associated with poor prostate health, some prostate supplements can also improve sexual health. Men experiencing a lack of libido or sexual dysfunction could benefit from dietary supplements with natural ingredients that target men's sexual health.
How to Choose a Good Supplement for Prostate HealthA prostate supplement doesn't have to adhere to as many regulations as prescription medicine, so it's crucial to research these products to ensure they're coming from a trusted source and don't contain any toxic chemicals or fillers that could harm your health.
While reviewing the best prostate supplements, we looked at the following factors to judge the quality of the products:
IngredientsThe best prostate supplement contains clinically backed ingredients, like saw palmetto and stinging nettle, that have evidence showing their ability to improve prostate health. The formula should only include natural ingredients and be free of toxins and fillers, ensuring the supplement is safe to take on a daily basis.
We also looked for supplements with ingredients that have other benefits besides supporting a healthy prostate, such as enhancing sexual performance, reducing fatigue, and improving immunity. Many prostate supplements include components like vitamin E and vitamin D to support both gut and prostate health.
DosageA prostate supplement can contain all the best ingredients for prostate health and still be ineffective because the daily dose needs to include an effective quantity of each component to make a difference.
The finest prostate supplements have clinically accurate amounts of ingredients like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil extract, and green tea, resulting in a healthy prostate formula that's potent enough to address your symptoms.
Scientific ProofClinical trials are the key to determining the effectiveness of particular ingredients and blends, so some supplement companies invest in scientific research on their product. Having clinical evidence to back up their formula is a definite bonus when choosing a prostate supplement. If a company mentions they did clinical studies, you should be able to find and review the research.
Even if a company didn't go all out and invest in a clinical study, it can still back up its product with third-party research from credible sources. When you're reading up on a prostate supplement, it's a good sign if you see genuine scientific research links on the website.
Brand TransparencyAs you should do with any dietary supplement, we checked each prostate supplement to see if the manufacturer included a full list of ingredients in their proprietary blends. When you look at the ingredient label of a prostate supplement, you should be able to see a list of every substance in the formula and the amount of each one.
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate dietary supplements, it's vital to research each product to avoid sketchy companies that hide artificial fillers and other potentially harmful ingredients behind the "proprietary blend" label.
Following Legal RequirementsSupplements don't have to adhere to the rules of the FDA, but that also means they can't claim to be a treatment, cure, or preventative solution for medical conditions. Legitimate prostate supplements will have clear language stating that they can support prostate health and help with symptoms, not cure the disease.
We only included brands on our list that used honest descriptions of their products, avoiding language that misleads customers.
Customer ReviewsOne of the best ways to find out whether a product is right for you is to check the customer reviews on the supplement company website or other buying sources. Reviews let you know how well the prostate supplement works, how long it might take to show results, and whether it has any side effects.
We chose prostate supplements with excellent reviews, showing that many people benefitted from the products and that there aren't any adverse effects.
Refund PolicyEveryone has a unique body chemistry, so it's possible that a prostate supplement that works wonders for one person will have no effect on another.
Therefore, we wanted to only include supplements that come with at least a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the prostate health supplement for up to two months without the risk of losing money if it doesn't work for you. The supplements on our list provide hassle-free refunds for unsatisfied customers.
Manufacturing StandardsWe only included supplements made in FDA-approved facilities, ensuring the products adhere to high manufacturing standards for your safety. The ingredients in the supplement should be high quality and pure, including no additives or fillers. The product should also be free of GMOs and any potentially harmful substances.
When checking a product website, you should be able to find out what type of facility the company used to manufacture its prostate supplement. If you can't find any information about the manufacturing process, it could be a sign that the supplement came from a facility with low manufacturing standards or used low-quality ingredients.
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Ingredients That Support Prostate HealthMany of the prostate supplements we described contain the same or similar ingredients to maintain prostate health. Extensive research and herbal medicine have informed us about certain ingredients that are especially beneficial for men's health.
Below, we go into more detail about the most popular ingredients in prostate health supplements.
LycopeneLycopene is a potent antioxidant found in fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, and pink grapefruit. It's known as a carotenoid, which is an organic pigment that gives fruits and vegetables a red color.
Studies have shown a link between lycopene and a reduced prostate cancer risk, making it a common ingredient in supplements that maintain prostate health. Lycopene protects against cell damage and might also prevent cell mutation, which leads to cancer. It also has associations with a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and better urine flow.
Lycopene inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells and reduces oxidative stress, similar to the clinical benefits of green tea. The carotenoid might also improve cardiovascular health and provide anti-aging benefits, adding to its powerful effects on men's health.
Beta-SitosterolBeta-sitosterol is a common compound known as a plant sterol or phytosterol, which is a naturally occurring steroid with links to health benefits, including prostate support. The clinical research on beta-sitosterol shows that it potentially lowers the risk of prostate cancer and has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular prostate supplement ingredient.
Beta-sitosterol is present in saw palmetto, but enriching the plant with more phytosterols might increase the potency of the ingredient, according to research. Its ability to reduce inflammation and strengthen prostate cell membranes helps your body regulate your prostate size and function.
Prunus AfricanaPrunus africana, also known as pygeum, is another one of the most common prostate health supplement ingredients. It originates from the bark of the African plum tree and is associated with benefits like reducing frequent urination, strengthening urine flow, and improving the ability to fully empty your bladder.
Besides reducing some of the most annoying symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, some studies have linked pygeum with decreasing inflammation from acute and chronic prostatitis and protecting against cancer cell growth. The herbal remedy might also help shrink an enlarged prostate, helping reverse the age-related issue that many men face as they get older.
Stinging NettleStinging nettle is a common plant in herbal remedies for urinary health and prostate support. It contains multiple plant compounds that have effective antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it's a popular prostate supplement component. Research has discovered that men with an enlarged prostate could combat their symptoms by taking potent doses of stinging nettle.
Additionally, stinging nettle might have anticancer effects, meaning it could be an excellent ingredient for preventing prostate cancer. While study results are promising, this particular effect of stinging nettle requires more research for a definitive conclusion.
Pumpkin SeedAnother common prostate health supplement ingredient is pumpkin seed extract. In clinical trials, pumpkin seed extract alleviates the symptoms of men with an enlarged prostate gland and improves their overall quality of life.
Pumpkin seed oil contains potent amounts of phytochemicals and zinc. Phytochemicals can reduce the effects of DHT on the prostate, and zinc is essential for healthy prostate function. Men with prostate cancer or BPH have significantly lower levels of zinc in the prostate, but pumpkin seed extract can help you maintain healthy zinc levels.
As an anti-inflammatory, pumpkin seed oil can improve urinary symptoms linked with BPH, including an overactive bladder. The substance might also help treat side effects of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, an infection that becomes more common as men age.
Saw PalmettoSaw palmetto is one of the most prevalent ingredients of prostate supplements, and it comes from plants native to the southeastern U.S. The ingredient can help with a few of the most bothersome symptoms of BPH, including getting up in the middle of the night to pee, weak urine flow, and painful urination.
A saw palmetto supplement might also improve sexual function, hair loss, and inflammation. However, one of the most meaningful ways saw palmetto helps maintain a healthy prostate is through its ability to reduce DHT levels.
The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT but saw palmetto decreases the activity of the enzyme, which lowers DHT and preserves your testosterone levels. Since DHT can cause your prostate to enlarge, taking saw palmetto supplements could improve prostate health and inhibit the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Vitamin DVitamin D is essential for bone health and supporting your immune system, and some studies have found a connection between low vitamin D levels and an increased chance of prostate cancer. Your body breaks vitamin D down into calcitriol, a compound that might slow the progression of cancers.
Low levels of vitamin D also have a link to higher inflammation, which is a risk factor in many diseases, including prostate cancer and chronic prostatitis. Numerous prostate supplements contain this ingredient to help you maintain your vitamin D levels and encourage a healthy prostate.
Pollen ExtractPollen extracts are an alternative to medications like ibuprofen and aspirin, reducing pain and inflammation naturally. Chronic prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate, which causes symptoms like painful urination and ejaculation, reduced sexual function, and pelvic pain.
Pollen extract can ease symptoms of chronic prostatitis and improve the quality of life of men who have the condition. One of the most common types of pollen extracts is rye pollen extract, which can help with symptoms including:
As we previously mentioned, BPH is a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged, causing it to put pressure on the urethra, the tube that urine travels through to get out of your body. As the urethra becomes constricted, it causes problems with the lower urinary tract.
Men over the age of 40 are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate, so it becomes even more crucial to be on the lookout for symptoms of BPH. Below, we provide a list of some of the common symptoms with a short description to help you identify whether you are experiencing them:
These symptoms happen because the enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra. As a result, the bladder has to work harder to get urine out of the body through the increasingly smaller opening.
However, the size of the prostate doesn't always determine the severity of the symptoms. For instance, some men with substantially enlarged prostates experience mild symptoms, while others with slightly enlarged prostates have severe symptoms. In some cases, men with BPH might experience no symptoms at all.
While BPH shares some of its urinary symptoms with prostate cancer, such as weak urine stream and the need to frequently urinate, the symptoms of prostate cancer can be much more serious. These symptoms might not emerge until the cancer has progressed, and they include the following:
The following are a few of the most common questions about prostate supplements:
Can an Enlarged Prostate Go Back to Normal?In most cases, an enlarged prostate is reversible. Mild cases of BPH can even clear up without medical intervention, but men with more severe symptoms should discuss treatment options with their doctor.
What Is the Main Cause of Prostate Enlargement?The cause of prostate enlargement isn't clear, but it might be the result of hormonal imbalance as you age. Besides aging, the risk factors of an enlarged prostate also include a family history of prostate issues, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
What Foods Inflame a Prostate?Red and processed meat, saturated fat, alcohol, and high-fat dairy are foods you should avoid to keep your prostate in good shape. Research shows that a healthy diet with high amounts of fiber, fruits, and vegetables could prevent prostate cancer.
How Long Does it Take for Prostate Supplements to Work?The length of time it takes for prostate supplements to start working depends on the product and the person taking it. For example, an ingredient like saw palmetto can take around four to six weeks to work.
Final Thoughts on Prostate SupplementsWith so many prostate supplements available online and in stores, it can be difficult to know which products are actually safe and effective for improving prostate health. We reviewed the leading prostate supplements, taking an in-depth look into their reviews, ingredients, dosage, brand reputation, and more.
Using the information we found, we created this list of the best prostate supplements, including details about ingredients and prostate health, to help you make more informed decisions when searching for a supplement. Hopefully, we made it easier to identify which products are best for your specific situation.
Before adding a prostate supplement to your daily routine, you should speak with your primary care doctor to ensure it won't interfere with any medications. If you have noticeable symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or reduced sexual function, it's always best to talk to your doctor first. Catching the signs of BPH early can help you avoid developing severe prostate issues.
Summary of Top Recommended Prostate Supplements4 Lung Cancer Warning Signs That May Appear First Thing In The Morning
Lung Cancer Warning Signs That May Appear First Thing In The Morning Lung cancer symptoms: Never ignore these 4 signs in the morning. Read on to know everything.Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths. The disease is marked by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
Lung Cancer Symptoms You Should Never IgnoreIn this article, we will take a deeper look into lung cancer and symptoms that one may notice in the morning. While symptoms of cancer are often vague, and subtle, experts say that the only best way to prevent this disease from getting worse is by spotting the signs at its early stages.
Lung cancer, which is one of the top 10 most common types of cancer found globally also doesn't carry clear and easily visible symptoms. According to the experts, lung cancer is one of those silent killers, that has no signs or symptoms in the early stages. This is the primary reason why early detection of lung cancers is so difficult. These signs only start appearing when the cancer spread. However, knowing the warning signs beforehand can help you timely detect your symptoms, if you experience any.
Lung Cancer Symptoms In the MorningHere are 4 warning symptoms of lung cancer that could appear first thing in the morning. This means if you are suffering from lung cancer, your body will show these signs straight after waking up. It is important that these following signs are not ignored at any cost and you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
FeverAs per the US National Institutes of Health, a patient suffering from lung cancer often manifests the symptom of fever, first thing in the morning. This sudden rise in the body's tem[perature happens due to the infection (including those associated with neutropenic fever due to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy), followed by tumour fever induced by tumour progression or high tumour burden.
Waking Up Drenched In SweatSweating profusely while sleeping, and especially in the morning is also one of the 4 warning signs of lung cancer. One of the causes of this unexplained morning sweating could be fever caused by cancer. When your body's temperature is high, it sweats excessively in order to help the body cool down.
Persistent Dry CoughA dry cough (without any mucus) for over 3 weeks is not a great sign. It could also mean that your lungs are dealing with cancer cells and that you need to make an immediate visit to the hospital. Lung cancer cough usually starts as a dry cough that comes in spasms. As per data, at least 65 per cent of lung cancer patients have a nagging cough by the time they're diagnosed.
Blood In SputumThe fourth and most common sign of lung cancer is blood in your sputum. Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in the lungs.
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How Is A Prostate Exam Done?
In a prostate exam, a person will lie on their side with their knees pulled up while a doctor gently inserts a finger to feel for any unusual features in the prostate gland. Along with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, the exam can help detect prostate cancer. A doctor may recommend regular screening after a certain age.
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The gland produces a fluid that helps make up semen. Muscle cells inside the prostate play a role in ejaculation.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) expected that there would be 248,530 new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. In 2021 and that around 34,130 people in the country would die from this type of cancer during the year.
The ACS also notes that 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer during their lifetime, and around 1 in 41 males will die from the disease. With treatment, there is a good chance of surviving prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer often produces no symptoms in the early stages. After a certain age, a doctor may recommend regular screening. A prostate exam can help detect cancer while it is still highly treatable, even if symptoms are not present.
Screening involves looking for early signs of disease in people who do not have any symptoms. Cancer screening aims to detect telltale changes at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective.
Doctors commonly use two main tests to screen for prostate cancer:
Neither test can confirm that prostate cancer is present, as various other factors may influence results. However, these tests can indicate whether further steps are necessary.
A prostate biopsy is the only way to confirm that a person has prostate cancer.
Before undergoing either of these tests, the person will need to give consent, which involves confirming that they understand the potential benefits and risks.
The ACS recommends talking with a doctor about screening at the following ages:
People may have a higher risk if they:
Black American males are almost 75% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white American males, and 2.2 times more likely to die as a result, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Foundation notes that, while experts do not know why the risk is higher for this group, the fatality rate is likely higher due to unequal access to healthcare and other socioeconomic factors.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Medicare will cover a yearly PSA test for males aged 50 and over who are eligible for Medicare.
Not everyone recommends routine screening, however.
In 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that the decision to undergo screening from the ages of 55–69 years should be up to the individual. This is because screening can lead to false-positive results, which may result in unnecessary biopsies. It can also lead to overtreatment of low risk disease.
Before going ahead with screening, a person should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.
Does frequent ejaculation lower the risk of prostate cancer? Find out here.
The DRE is a physical examination for changes in the prostate that could indicate a tumor.
Before the DRECommon questions to ask before a DRE include:
The individual should inform their healthcare team if they have hemorrhoids or anal fissures, as a DRE may worsen these.
If the person has insurance, they should also ask their insurance provider about coverage and whether there will be additional costs.
During the DREThe procedure usually requires the person to undress from the waist down.
The specialist may instruct the person to lie on their left side and pull their knees up to their chest or stand and lean against a table.
The specialist will:
A DRE is not usually painful, but it may be slightly uncomfortable. It takes only a few minutes to complete.
After the DREAfter the exam, the doctor will explain the results.
The person can usually go back to their regular activities immediately after a DRE.
DRE resultsThe doctor will usually explain the results of the DRE after the exam.
The person may also undergo a PSA test on the same day. If the doctor believes that further steps may be necessary, they will base this on the results of both the PSA and DRE.
It is worth noting that a DRE can often produce a false-positive result. If the doctor detects changes in the prostate gland, this does not necessarily indicate cancer.
Prostate nodules can develop because of prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions.
Learn more about prostate nodules here.
This blood test measures the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) that the prostate gland produces. Some of this antigen leaks into the blood and will show up during testing.
High levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, but various other conditions and factors can raise PSA levels. High levels do not necessarily mean cancer is present.
What does the PSA test involve?The PSA test involves taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The results indicate:
It is important to note that PSA levels can naturally vary from person to person. A person with high levels may not have prostate cancer. On the other hand, about 15% of people who test positive for prostate cancer after a biopsy have PSA levels below 4 ng/ml.
Prostate cancer is not the only cause of high PSA levels. Find out more about the other causes here.
What do the results mean?PSA levels may be above the baseline for various reasons other than prostate cancer.
Other factors that can raise PSA levels include:
Also, people with obesity may have lower PSA readings.
In addition, some medications may reduce PSA levels, including:
Some herbal medicines and supplements can also lower PSA levels. A person should tell their doctor about any medications and supplements they take before undergoing the test.
High PSA levels alone do not indicate cancer. However, if a DRE also reveals changes, a doctor may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate result.
Some newer tests combine the results of the PSA test. They can help assess the risk for people with borderline scores to decide if they need further intervention.
The Prostate Health Index (PHI) combines the results of:
The 4Kscore test combines the results of various factors, such as:
The PCA3 is another test for prostate cancer that doctors use in some circumstances. Find out more.
What happens next?If the DRE and PSA tests show nothing unusual, the healthcare professional may recommend monitoring by repeating one or both tests every 1–2 years.
If the results could indicate prostate cancer, the doctor may recommend a biopsy.
A prostate biopsy can lead to complications. What are the alternatives?
A prostate exam and a colonoscopy are both ways of examining the rectum, but for different purposes. A colonoscopy does not check for prostate cancer. The two tests also involve different procedures, as outlined in the table below:
However, when a doctor carries out a colonoscopy, they usually start with a DRE. In patients with a prostate, this is an opportunity for the doctor to check the prostate gland at the same time, according to 2018 research. If a person is due to have a colonoscopy, they may wish to speak with their doctor about checking the prostate gland at the same time.
Prostate cancer is common. However, if a doctor diagnoses cancer while it remains in the prostate or nearby and the person receives treatment, it is almost 100% likely that they will survive for at least another 5 years.
If cancer spreads to other parts of the body, this survival rate falls to 30%.
A person should start asking about the benefits of screening after age 50, or earlier, if they have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
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