Turning 50? These Prostate Tests Could Help Protect Your Health

Turning 50 is said to be a major milestone in an individual’s life. However, it brings about different health concerns. One of them is the well-being of your prostate. This is because the prostate gland naturally changes with age. Men become increasingly prone to conditions, ranging from benign enlargement to prostate cancer. To help you navigate this, we consulted our experts to understand the essential screening tests and daily habits that can help protect your prostate health.

To understand this better, we reached out to our experts, Dr Shashank MS, Consultant, Urology and Renal transplant, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, and Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Consultant, Urology, RG Hospitals, Delhi.

Why Prostate Health Matters For Men Over 50

Dr Shashank says that as men grow older, their prostate gland naturally becomes larger, increasing the risk of conditions such as benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. He explains, “Many men over the age of 50 may notice symptoms such as frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a weak urine stream, or a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.”

The expert continues, “These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. Regular health check-ups can help detect prostate problems early, when treatment is often simpler and more effective. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or those at higher risk may need screening at an earlier age after discussing it with their doctor.”

prostate health 1

Prostate Health: Essential Tests Every Man Should Know About

Dr Shashank says that several tests can help assess prostate health, and the choice of tests depends on a person's age, symptoms, medical history, and overall risk. On this note, the expert lists certain tests that every man over 50 should take to maintain their prostate health:

• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood; but a high PSA does not always mean prostate cancer because infection, inflammation, or an enlarged prostate can also increase PSA levels.
• A digital rectal examination (DRE) allows the doctor to feel the prostate for any unusual enlargement or hard areas. If these tests suggest a problem, further investigations such as an MRI scan, ultrasound, or a prostate biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

prostate health 2

Why Prostate Screening is Important

Dr Aggarwal says, “Men with a family history of prostate cancer, African ancestry, or certain genetic mutations may benefit from beginning screening earlier, often around the age of 45 after consulting a urologist. If initial tests raise concerns, advanced investigations such as multiparametric MRI and, when necessary, a prostate biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis.

The expert adds, “Importantly, screening decisions should be individualised based on age, overall health, life expectancy, family history, and personal preferences. Men over 50 should also pay attention to symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, blood in the urine, or persistent pelvic discomfort, and seek medical advice promptly rather than assuming these are a normal part of ageing.”

How Ageing is Linked To Prostate Health

A recent study, published in the Frontiers in Oncology Journal, presents a comprehensive overview of how a man's chronological age is linked to common prostate disorders, specifically prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The researchers examined data from 18 different studies, involving over 21,000 men to understand the impact of ageing on prostate health. 

The findings noted that as men age, their biological changes such as hormone shifts, cellular damage, and reduced tissue repair naturally raises their risk for both conditions. While BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement which commonly causes urinary symptoms in older men, prostate cancer is more dangerous. 

The findings confirmed that ageing is strongly linked with a higher likelihood of developing both of these prostate disorders. They also found that older men often undergo more regular prostate screening. This means these conditions are caught more often in elderly men because they are tested more. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether the increased disease rate is due to natural ageing versus increased medical testing. However, the study did mention that chronological ageing is no doubt a major risk factor for prostate issues. 

prostate health 3

Tips To Take Care of Prostate Health

Dr Shashank says that looking after prostate health involves more than just getting tested. On this note, the expert shares some tips to take care of your prostate health:

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Staying physically active.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drinking enough water.
• Avoiding smoking can support overall urinary and prostate health. 

“Screening decisions should always be made after discussing the benefits and possible limitations of testing with a healthcare professional. Regular follow-up and timely evaluation of symptoms can help detect prostate conditions early and improve long-term health outcomes,” concludes the expert.

ALSO READ- Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai Dies Due To Prostate Cancer – Know Its Warning Signs

Conclusion

As men age, their  prostate health needs special attention. To keep conditions such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia at bay, they need to combine routine medical screenings with healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. This way, they can significantly reduce their risk of severe complications. To conclude, staying proactive and consulting an urologist to create a personalised screening plan can help keep them stay healthy and active even after 50.