Myths and facts about prostate cancer | What you need to know

05.11.2025

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men worldwide after lung cancer.

Currently, more than 5 million men worldwide are living with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men. Worldwide, prostate cancer causes approximately 375,000 deaths each year.

There are many myths about prostate cancer, which are often not supported by any scientific evidence.

Myth: Prostate cancer only develops in older men

Fact: Although prostate cancer is more common in older people, it can also develop at a younger age.

Most cases of prostate cancer develop over the age of 65.
In men with a genetic predisposition, prostate cancer usually develops between the ages of 40 and 50.
Family history and the presence of mutations, such as the BRCA2 gene mutation, increase the risk of developing prostate cancer at a young age.
African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer at a young age

MythProstate cancer always causes symptoms

Fact: Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms.

Prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor and remains asymptomatic for a long time.
Symptoms begin to appear after the cancer has reached a large size, has spread beyond the prostate and is affecting the urethra.
Later symptoms include: difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic discomfort
Difficulty urinating may also be a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Myth: Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels always indicate cancer

Fact: Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PSA is a protein that is produced by prostate cells, both naturally and during cancer.
Benign prostate enlargement, infections, inflammatory processes, and some medications and medical procedures cause PSA levels to rise.
Prostate-specific antigen levels increase with age.

Myth: Prostate cancer always has a poor prognosis.

Fact: The mortality rate associated with a prostate cancer diagnostics in men is quite low.

With early diagnostics and treatment, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100%.
In most cases of prostate cancer, the tumor grows very slowly and rarely becomes life-threatening.
With modern treatment methods, the prognosis for even the more aggressive cases of prostate cancer has greatly improved.

Myth: Treatment has permanent side effects

ფაქტი: With modern treatment methods, the risks of side effects are significantly reduced, and existing side effects are manageable and temporary.

Microsurgical operating techniques allow nerve fibers to be preserved intact, ensuring proper functioning of the bladder sphincters.
Targeted radiation therapy allows for minimizing damage to healthy cells during radiotherapy.
Post-treatment rehabilitation programs allow the patient to recover post-operatively and post-therapeutically.

Myth: Frequent ejaculation (the release of semen during an erection) increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Fact: There is no scientifically proven link between ejaculation frequency and the development of prostate cancer.

According to research, men who ejaculate frequently have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Frequent sexual intercourse does not cause prostate cancer
Normal sexual function and activity are part of healthy aging.

Myth: Prostate cancer progresses rapidly

ფაქტი: Prostate cancer grows slowly and remains localized for a long time

Some types of prostate cancer are classified as low-grade, or slow-growing.
Active surveillance is a recognized method of treating low-risk cancer.
Aggressive, fast-growing prostate cancer is quite rare.

Myth: Vasectomy (male sterilization) increases the risk of prostate cancer

Fact: There is no scientifically proven link between vasectomy and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

All men should have regular prostate cancer screening, regardless of whether they have had a vasectomy or not.

Myth: Lifestyle and diet are not linked to prostate cancer

Fact: Diet and healthy habits affect the risk and prognosis of prostate cancer

Diet high in red meat and animal fat increases risk of prostate cancer
Foods rich in lycopene (e.g. tomatoes), omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants increase the body's resistance to cancer.
Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding harmful habits (alcohol, tobacco) also reduce the risk of developing prostate (and other) cancer.

Myth: All types of prostate cancer require immediate treatment.

ფაქტიTreatment approaches vary depending on the patient's age, prostate cancer characteristics, and general health.