The Truth Behind 5 Prostate Cancer Myths

There’s a lot of information out there about prostate cancer. There are many excellent resources you can turn to for accurate information. But there are also plenty of myths. If you’re having a hard time teasing out the truth — we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions about prostate cancer. 

Myth 1: I can’t have prostate cancer if I don’t have symptoms

The real story: While prostate cancer can cause symptoms, most people with prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms at all. 

That’s because symptoms from prostate cancer usually start when the tumor becomes large enough to push on things around it. Because most prostate cancers grow slowly, it can take years before the tumor is large enough to cause any symptoms. By that time, the cancer could have already spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat. 

That’s why prostate cancer screening is important — even if you don’t have symptoms. Catching prostate cancer early can be lifesaving. 

Myth 2: There’s nothing I can do to decrease my risk of prostate cancer

The real story: It’s true that some people have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. But there are still many things you can do to lower your risk of developing prostate cancer, even if you have certain genetic risks. Evidence shows that you can help lower your chance of developing prostate cancer by:

• Eating a diet that’s high in vegetables and low in animal fat

• Maintaining an active lifestyle

• Using alcohol in moderation

• Quitting smoking

Myth 3: I don’t have to worry about prostate cancer until I’m older 

The real story: Each year, more than 1 in 3 cases of prostate cancer (35%) are diagnosed in people younger than 65 years old. If your parent or sibling has prostate cancer, you could be at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, too. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you should start screening for prostate cancer. If you’re at high risk for developing prostate cancer, you may need to start screening in your 40s.  

Myth 4: My PSA level is high, so I definitely have prostate cancer

The real story: A high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be a sign of prostate cancer, but things other than prostate cancer can increase your PSA level. A high PSA level could also be caused by biking injuries, infection or inflammation of the prostate, or noncancerous prostate enlargement — called “benign prostatic hypertrophy” (BPH).  

The PSA test is an important tool in diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. But it’s not a perfect test. That’s why your PSA level is only one of the many tools healthcare providers use to diagnose prostate cancer. If your PSA level is high, your team might recommend specialized tests like a 4K score, a prostate MRI, or a prostate biopsy.  

Myth 5: I have to start aggressive treatment if I have prostate cancer

The real story: Not all prostate cancers are the same. If you have a low-risk prostate cancer, chances are it won’t grow or spread. People with low-risk prostate cancer can choose to start with active surveillance instead of more involved treatment options. During active surveillance, you’ll be monitored carefully to make sure your prostate cancer isn’t growing or spreading. If your cancer does start to change, you would need to start treatment with radiation or surgery. 

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Written by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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