PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common malignancies affecting men worldwide and represents a significant public health challenge. Although advances in diagnostic technologies and therapeutic strategies have improved survival rates, prevention and early detection continue to play a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. The multifactorial etiology of prostate cancer includes genetic predisposition, environmental influences, hormonal factors, lifestyle behaviors, and aging. Understanding these risk factors enables clinicians and public health professionals to implement targeted prevention strategies. Screening modalities such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal examination (DRE), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) have transformed early detection practices. However, controversies regarding overdiagnosis and overtreatment highlight the need for risk-adapted screening approaches. This article reviews current evidence on prostate cancer prevention, modifiable risk factors, screening methods, emerging biomarkers, and public health strategies aimed at improving early diagnosis.