Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting American people, next to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society's estimates, approximately 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2024. Given the high prevalence of this disease, it is vital to raise public awareness about prostate cancer and its implications.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer by your doctor, here are the things you need to know immediately:
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1. Prostate Cancer has Similar Symptoms to Other Illnesses
The common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Erectile dysfunction
Conditions with the same affected body parts usually show similar symptoms. The abovementioned list of symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.
Therefore, do not come to a hasty conclusion about what you feel in your body. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis.
2. Diet and Prostate Cancer Might be Linked
Diet may have a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Some studies have found that a diet high in meat may be associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
This was further supported by a study stating that red and processed meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, especially in prostate cancer.
On the other hand, there is promising evidence that cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, such as:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Bok choy
A healthy, balanced diet is generally recommended for overall health to strengthen the body with vitamins and minerals, especially for prostate cancer patients.
3. Younger Men Can Get Prostate Cancer
In the US, 10% of new diagnoses occur in men aged 55 and younger. Therefore, it’s entirely possible to develop prostate cancer at a much younger age, like in your teens.
In fact, there has been a global increase in early-onset prostate cancer among men aged between 15 and 40 years old. Younger men diagnosed with prostate cancer often have more aggressive tumors and may require more intensive treatment.
As such, it is beneficial for patients with concerning symptoms to discuss prostate cancer screening options with their healthcare provider. Generally, younger men are not recommended to undertake these screenings. However, those with a family history of the disease (as 58% of prostate cancer is influenced by genetics) may benefit from earlier screening.
4. PSA Numbers Aren't the Primary Prostate Cancer Indicator
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. High PSA levels can be an indicator of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as BPH or an infection. Furthermore, around 1 in 7 of those with normal PSA levels may have prostate cancer (a false-negative result).
PSA testing can be a useful tool in detecting prostate cancer, but it should not be relied upon as the sole indicator. Your healthcare provider will likely consider other factors, such as:
- Your age
- Family history
- Results of a digital rectal exam (DRE)
5. Early Detection Improves Treatment
Early detection of prostate cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. According to the available data, the chances of surviving after a diagnosis are as follows:
| Timeframe | Relative Survival Rate |
| 5 years after diagnosis | Nearly 100% |
| 10 years after diagnosis | 98% |
| 15 years after diagnosis | 95% |
The survival rate is fortunate, indicating that prostate cancer patients can maintain their quality of life as long as early diagnosis occurs. Patients may undergo routine prostate cancer screening, such as the PSA test and DRE, to help detect prostate cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable.
However, men without symptoms of prostate cancer who have less than a 10-year life expectancy should not be offered prostate cancer screening because they aren't likely to benefit from it.
6. Treatment for Prostate Cancer is Often Not Started Immediately
For some men with prostate cancer, particularly those with low-risk, slow-growing tumors, immediate treatment may not be necessary.
Instead, your healthcare provider may recommend active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring the cancer through regular PSA tests, DREs, and prostate biopsies.
However, for men with higher-risk or more aggressive prostate cancer, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the cancer from spreading. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
7. File a Medical Malpractice Claim for a Late or Failed Diagnosis
In unfortunate cases, your prostate cancer may not be diagnosed on time or that your healthcare provider has failed to diagnose your cancer correctly. In that case, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably skilled provider would have provided under similar circumstances. This failure results in harm to the patient.
To prove medical malpractice, you will need to verify the following key elements:
| 1. Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship? |
| 2. Breach of Duty – Did your doctor perform poorly/negligently based on accepted standards of care? |
| 3. Causation – Did your doctor’s actions/inactions directly cause you harm? |
| 4. Damages – What did these errors cost you? |
Each year in the US, an estimated 40,000 to 80,000 individuals lose their lives due to diagnostic errors. This sobering statistic underscores the profound impact it causes on families who rely on healthcare providers for precise diagnoses and effective treatment.
No one wants to suffer from life-changing misdiagnosis. Consult with our experienced medical malpractice attorney, who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options. Please refer to our previous wins.
Questions About Prostate Cancer Medical Claims?
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At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances.
We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
