Most Men Will Get Prostate Cancer As They Age (Here’s What To Do)

Summary

Dr. Eric Berg explains that prostate cancer becomes more common with age, but argues that many diagnosed cases grow slowly and may not ultimately cause a person’s death. He distinguishes prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement that can sometimes affect urination.

The prostate sits below the bladder, surrounds the urethra, and contributes fluid to semen. It produces prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme that helps liquefy semen. Berg emphasizes that PSA is not specific to cancer: it can be elevated for several reasons, and a normal result does not rule out cancer.

Berg describes three broad patterns of prostate cancer using animal metaphors: “turtles,” which tend to remain inactive; “slow birds,” which grow slowly; and aggressive “rabbits.” He says PSA alone cannot reliably distinguish these patterns. He discusses changes in PSA over time and the prostate health index (PHI) test as possible steps to consider before a biopsy. He advises men to research screening and make decisions with a clinician.

Wellness Strategies and Practical Points

• Discuss PSA results in context with a healthcare professional. Berg lists nine possible reasons for elevated PSA:
  • Benign prostate enlargement
  • Prostate inflammation
  • Ejaculation within the previous 24 hours
  • Vigorous exercise, such as hard cycling or deadlifting
  • A recent digital rectal exam
  • A recent prostate biopsy
  • A urinary tract infection
  • Certain medications
  • Prostate cancer

He also notes that cancer can sometimes occur with a normal PSA.

• Ask about additional evaluation when appropriate. Berg mentions tracking PSA changes over time and the PHI test as possible tools to consider before a biopsy. He gives a PSA rise greater than 0.75 ng/mL per year as a potential warning sign. These are points to discuss with a clinician, not substitutes for medical evaluation.

• Check vitamin D status. Berg recommends testing vitamin D and discusses a target range of 50–70. He mentions higher levels for people with prostate cancer, while advising them to consult a doctor. The video does not establish these targets as universal recommendations.

• Pay attention to insulin and metabolic health. Berg suggests checking fasting insulin and describes a level below 5 as his target. He presents insulin as a factor that may promote prostate growth.

• Consider intermittent or prolonged fasting. Berg recommends fasting as a way to lower insulin and inflammation, including for people dealing with cancer. This is a significant health intervention and should be discussed with a qualified clinician, particularly during cancer treatment.

• Get sufficient zinc. Berg says zinc is important to prostate function and testosterone metabolism.

• Reduce exposure to potential estrogen-mimicking chemicals. He advises limiting contact with plastics, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and other environmental chemicals he describes as xenoestrogens.

• Be cautious about interpreting prostate enlargement. BPH is described as common with age and is not itself cancer. Enlargement may or may not cause urinary symptoms.

Note: The video makes medical claims about cancer risk, screening, supplements, and fasting. These should not be treated as individualized medical advice or as a reason to delay recommended screening or treatment.

Presenters and Sources Mentioned

• Presenter: Dr. Eric Berg
• Other sources referenced: An unnamed scientist who wrote a book criticizing the use of PSA as a cancer marker; unnamed studies and data; and an unnamed man interviewed by Berg who had metastatic prostate cancer.