Adam Kinnaird MD PhD FRCSC
Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research,
Assistant Professor – Division of Urology, Department of Surgery,
Adjunct Assistant Professor – Department of Oncology,
University of Alberta
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms, making early screening vital. Indigenous men face lower screening rates due to limited healthcare access. Family history increases risk.
What are the most common misconceptions about prostate cancer?
One of the most common misconceptions about prostate cancer is that it presents with symptoms. Most men with prostate cancer are asymptomatic. This is why screening programs are required to achieve early diagnosis at a localized, curable stage.
In your opinion, what is the greatest barrier for men to access preventative prostate cancer prevention and treatment?
While there is currently no way to prevent prostate cancer, there are ways to catch it early in the disease course. This is based on prostate cancer screening programs. The controversy lies in which guideline is followed. For example, some guidelines recommend against screening for prostate cancer, but the Canadian Urology Association, which is the national organization for urologists who diagnose and treat prostate cancer, recommends for prostate cancer screening starting at the age of 50 in most men.
What can be done to develop community-based solutions for Indigenous men for prostate cancer prevention and treatment?
We have previously studied prostate cancer screening rates, comparing men living in Indigenous communities to men living in other communities. Using data from 1.4 million men, we found that men living in Indigenous communities received prostate cancer screening at 50% reduced rates compared to men in other communities. Therefore, I think that limited access to primary health providers underlies observed differences in screening for men living in Indigenous communities.
In your opinion, what’s the most important thing that all men should know about prostate cancer and is there anything they can do to lessen their risk?
Prostate cancer is a very common disease. Once is has metastasized it has become incurable, however if caught early, before metastasis, then it is a very curable cancer. Therefore, prostate cancer screening is key to catch tumors at an early, curable stage. Also, a man’s risk of prostate cancer increases if he has first degree relatives with prostate cancer such as a brother or father. It’s important to communicate with your family to know if you are at increased risk, and similarly to pass on to the next generation that they will be at increased risk if you are diagnosed yourself.
