The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has issued updated guidelines for early prostate cancer detection which confirms that if used properly, PSA screening saves lives in men at high-risk of developing the disease.

According to NCCN, PSA testing works optimally when combined with prompt and high-quality treatment. The update was prompted by recent studies which appeared to cast doubt on the effectiveness of the test in some men.

“Some of the controversy with the recent trials assessing the benefits of PSA testing stems from people confusing early detection with screening,” explains Dr. Mark Kawachi, chair of the NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Early Detection and associate professor of surgery, urology and urologic oncology at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“It is imperative to distinguish the two terms from each other and understand that screening implies testing a random group of participants whereas early detection targets a select group of patients whose need is greatest,” he adds, stressing numerous studies have shown African-Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing the disease.

Recent research has suggested a vegetable-rich diet and pomegranate juice may lower the risk of prostate cancer due to their antioxidant power.

Other studies have linked omega-3 fatty acids to better prostate health. A good source of omega-3 are fish oil nutritional supplements.