Prostate Cancer Awareness: Expert Insights from Dr. Leonard Marks

Dr. Leonard Marks, a renowned urologist and professor at UCLA, sat down with Daily Bruin science and health contributor Nick Mouchawar to discuss prostate cancer awareness, screening, and prevention. Marks' 40-year career in urology has focused on improving prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, including the development of MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy and surveillance strategies that reduce unnecessary procedures while improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Marks emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and the risks associated with prostate cancer. He highlighted that prostate cancer is a potentially lethal cancer that begins in the prostate gland, and that age, African American men, and family history are primary risk factors. Marks also stressed the significance of screening, particularly for those with a family history or genetic predisposition, such as the BRCA gene.

Key Takeaways:

• **Prostate Cancer Risk Factors:** Age, African American men, and family history, particularly if a father or brother has prostate cancer, are primary risk factors for prostate cancer.
• **Screening Recommendations:** Screening typically isn't recommended for college students, but individuals with a family history or genetic predisposition should discuss screening with their doctor.
• **Prevention Strategies:** A diet low in animal fat and high in fresh fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and weight management are all beneficial for heart health and, by association, prostate health.
• **Symptoms:** Prostate cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages, but enlargement of the prostate can cause urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or difficulty starting urination.
• **Screening and Early Detection:** Early detection through PSA tests and biopsies significantly improves patient outcomes, with a mortality rate of less than 10% for men diagnosed early.
• **New Treatments:** Advances in prostate cancer detection and treatment, such as the FDA-approved Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen scan and new drugs for advanced prostate cancer, offer improved options for patients.
• **Takeaway:** Get a PSA test every year to monitor prostate health and catch potential issues early.

Statistics:

• **Prostate Cancer Mortality Rate:** Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men.
• **Age of Diagnosis:** The average age of diagnosis is around 65 years old.
• **Family History Risk:** Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer.
• **PSA Test Usage:** PSA screening is recommended for men during check-ups, particularly for those with risk factors.
• **Treatment Outcomes:** If diagnosed early, men have a life expectancy of over 90%, with a mortality rate of less than 10%.

Sources:

• Daily Bruin
• Dr. Leonard Marks, urologist and professor at UCLA