By Gina Zammit, on behalf of Nuvance Health.

When you think of prostate health, it’s often a topic that’s met with myths, confusion and sometimes, fear.  

Fortunately, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Jan Tomasz Slupski, an internal medicine physician with Nuvance Health Medical Practice Primary Care Norwalk, part of Northwell Health. Dr. Slupski squashed some common misconceptions about prostate health and offered practical guidance for men to take charge of their health. 

Debunking prostate cancer screening myths

You can rest assured knowing that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests are the standard method for prostate cancer screening, not rectal exams. 

“Digital rectal exams (DRE) are no longer required for routine screening,” says Dr. Slupski. “Most testing is now done via blood draw, which is straightforward and minimally invasive.”

To screen or not to screen for prostate cancer?

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that a prostate screening is mandatory. 

“It’s not set in stone,” Dr. Slupski explains. “Screening is based on shared decision-making between a patient and their doctor. Factors like age, family history, ethnicity, and genetic mutations determine whether screening is appropriate.”

Men with a family history of prostate cancer, African-American men or those with genetic mutations such as BRCA2 are all considered high-risk. 

These men may begin discussions about screening as early as age 45 or 50. For men without these risk factors, general guidelines suggest starting between ages 55 and 69 and stopping around age 70.

Learn more about Primary Care at Nuvance Health, part of Northwell Health.

Early warning signs of prostate cancer to watch for

Many men will not experience prostate cancer symptoms when it’s an early stage. That’s why screenings — especially if you’re high risk — are important. Difficulty starting or stopping urination, frequent nighttime urination or incontinence can also be warning signs of prostate problems. Persistent lower back pain can also be a red flag for metastatic prostate cancer. 

Overcoming fear and anxiety of prostate cancer screenings

Fear is natural, especially when it comes to intimate areas and cancer risk. Start with a conversation with your doctor to understand if screenings are right for you. And remember, if you have a PSA screening and it’s abnormal, try not to panic. Other benign (non-cancerous) conditions can elevate PSA levels, including an enlarged prostate or infections.

Open conversation with a healthcare provider you trust is key to fully understanding the risks and benefits of PSA screenings. 

“It’s better to know sooner rather than later,” he notes. “Early detection allows for timely treatment, which improves outcomes.”

A healthy lifestyle is important for men’s health

While lifestyle factors may not be as crucial to prostate health as other serious illnesses, overall wellness in men is extremely important. Dr. Slupski advocates for a balanced lifestyle that includes:

• Physical fitness: A mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise to maintain muscle mass, mobility and metabolic health
• Diet: Respecting the body by avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco as well as high fat and ultra processed foods. 
• Mental health: Seeking help for anxiety or depression without stigma
• Preventive care: Routine check-ups and early intervention for any concerns

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, sets the stage for a longer, healthier life,” Dr. Slupski explains. 

Get to know Dr. Jan Tomasz Slupski

Dr. Slupski practices in just over the border from Westport in Norwalk and welcomes men seeking PSA screening and other preventive care, with no referral required. He is passionate about fostering his patient’s health and wellness via a comprehensive multimodal approach that includes lifestyle modifications and pharmaceutical intervention when necessary as well as laboratory and imaging evaluation.

Book now with Dr. Jan Tomasz Slupski at Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Primary Care Norwalk.

Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health, has sponsored this content for Westport Journal. Nuvance Health is a system of nonprofit hospitals, medical practices and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including nearby Norwalk Hospital. Visit nuvancehealth.org for more information.