Recent studies on men's behavior toward prostate cancer have revealed that a number of men avoid screening due to myths about the disease. Here are a few of the myths and explanations regarding prostate cancer and screening.

Myth:1) Can I get prostate cancer from sexual activity?

Fact: Because of the differences in sexual practices among men, several studies have looked at prostate cancer incidence and sexual activity. These studies have indicated no direct correlation between prostate cancer and sexual activity-either frequent sexual activity, or infrequent sexual activity.

Myth: 2) Can I get prostate cancer from a vasectomy?

Fact: Studies have found no increased risk in individuals who have undergone a vasectomy. To date, data concerning vasectomy and prostate cancer continues to be evaluated.

Myth: 3) I can give my wife prostate cancer when we have sex. Fact: Prostate cancer is not contagious. The cancer cannot be spread through sexual relations or living in close quarters with someone diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is an internal problem of the gland.

Myth: 4) Can a digital rectal examination (DRE) make a man homosexual?

Fact:The DRE is a feared screening tool due to the mental images of the procedure. No man will become homosexual by having a healthcare professional perform a 5-second examination of the prostate gland. Studies conducted on men who have undergone a prostate exam have found that men do not experience the negative experience anticipated.

Myth: 5) Why do I need a DRE if the PSA is normal?

Fact: A normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test does not mean that cancer is not present. It merely means the chances are less likely a man has cancer. The PSA is a measure of probability, and should be used in conjunction with the DRE. Conversely, the DRE could be normal, and elevated PSA could be present.

Fact: An elevated PSA is not indicative of prostate cancer. It could be from other factors such as urinary tract infection, prostatitis, stones in the prostate, urinary/bladder retention, and noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It could also mean a tumor growth is present. The PSA level informs the physician that activity is occurring in the prostate, but specifically what activity.

Myth: 7) The prostate biopsy exam will cause cancer to spread if present.

Fact: There is no evidence that undergoing a prostate biopsy will cause cancer to spread. There is no release of cancer cells within the system during a biopsy exam.

Myth: 8) A prostate biopsy exam will render a man impotent.

Fact: Some swelling and inflammation alongside the prostate gland will occur after a biopsy exam, but not significant enough to impact erections. It is normal that blood will be noticed in semen for approximately eight weeks after a biopsy, but should not interfere with sexual function.