Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States.

Despite its prevalence, there are still many misconceptions about prostate cancer that can hinder early detection and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about prostate cancer and the truth behind them:.

Myth: Only older men get prostate cancer

While it is true that prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over 65, younger men can still develop the disease.

In fact, approximately one in every seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and roughly 10% of those cases will occur in men under the age of 55. It’s important for all men, regardless of age, to talk to their doctor about their risk for prostate cancer and to consider getting screened.

Myth: If there is no family history of prostate cancer, I don’t need to worry about it

While having a family history of prostate cancer can increase your risk, the majority of cases occur in men with no family history of the disease. In fact, less than 10% of prostate cancer cases are thought to be inherited.

Other risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race, obesity, and a diet high in red meat and/or dairy products. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your specific risk factors and to consider regular prostate cancer screening.

Myth: Getting screened for prostate cancer is painful and embarrassing

Prostate cancer screening can involve a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and/or a digital rectal exam (DRE), but neither of these tests are particularly painful or embarrassing.

During a DRE, the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum in order to feel for lumps or abnormalities in the prostate. While this may be slightly uncomfortable, it is not painful. Similarly, the PSA blood test involves a simple blood draw and is usually not painful.

While the idea of these tests may be uncomfortable or embarrassing for some men, it’s important to remember that early detection is key to effective treatment of prostate cancer.

Myth: Prostate cancer always causes symptoms

In the early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms. Later stage prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, pain in the hips, back, or pelvis, or erectile dysfunction.

However, many of these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important not to ignore them. Regular prostate cancer screening is the best way to detect the disease early, before symptoms appear.

Myth: If I have prostate cancer, I’ll need surgery or radiation

While surgery or radiation may be recommended for some cases of prostate cancer, there are other treatment options available depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

These options may include watchful waiting, active surveillance, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy. It’s important to talk to your doctor about all of the options available to you and to consider the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option before making a decision.

Myth: Prostate cancer treatment always causes impotence and incontinence

Surgery and radiation treatment for prostate cancer can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction and/or urinary incontinence, but these side effects are not inevitable.

In fact, newer surgical techniques and radiation therapies have reduced the risk of these side effects. There are also treatments available to manage these side effects if they do occur. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of treatment and to consider all of the options available to minimize these side effects.

Myth: I don’t need to worry about prostate cancer because it grows very slowly

In some cases, prostate cancer can grow very slowly and may not require immediate treatment. However, this is not always the case. Some prostate cancers can grow and spread quickly, and early detection is key to effective treatment.

In addition, some prostate cancers may be aggressive even if they are growing slowly and can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

Myth: If I have prostate cancer, I won’t live very long

The prognosis for prostate cancer depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the location of the cancer, and the overall health and age of the patient.

In general, most cases of prostate cancer are detected early and are highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100% if the cancer is detected early. Even in cases of more advanced or aggressive prostate cancer, survival rates have improved with advancements in treatment options.

Myth: There is nothing I can do to prevent prostate cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

These may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat and dairy products, and talking to your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer and whether regular screening is advisable. It’s also important to limit your alcohol consumption and quit smoking, as both of these habits have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can be a scary diagnosis, but it’s important to remember that early detection and effective treatment can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.

By understanding the truth behind common misconceptions about prostate cancer, you can take action to reduce your risk and improve your chances of survival if you are diagnosed with the disease.