Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting a Prostate Biopsy

For many men, the first sign of a potential prostate issue is a rising PSA. What often follows is a rushed recommendation for a prostate biopsy. But according to Dr. Stephen Petteruti, a physician with over 30 years of experience, that step may do more harm than good.

Here's why.

1. The Death Rate from Prostate Cancer Is Extremely Low Early On

The five-year mortality rate for prostate cancer is practically zero. That means many of the treatments—surgery, radiation, hormone deprivation—offer no survival benefit, but do introduce serious risks and quality-of-life consequences.

2. Biopsies Can Spread Cancer Cells

The act of sticking a needle into the prostate isn't as benign as it sounds. Biopsy needles can break the containment of potentially cancerous cells and spread them—just like has been documented in breast cancer studies. In fact, research has shown that women who underwent biopsies before lumpectomies had higher rates of metastasis than those who went straight to surgery.

3. Imaging and Clinical Monitoring Can Be Enough

Today’s high-resolution prostate MRIs, along with PSA trends and physical evaluation, can provide enough information to guide care—without ever needing a biopsy. Elevated PSA and MRI findings like a PI-RADS 4 lesion may warrant active monitoring, but not necessarily surgical intervention or radiation.

4. Biopsy Results Rarely Change the Outcome

Two large-scale studies followed men with early-stage prostate cancer: one group had the prostate removed; the other group did nothing. Twenty years later, the death rate was the same. Those who had surgery suffered the harms—urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and surgical risks—without living any longer.

5. There Are Smarter, Safer Alternatives

Dr. Petteruti’s “Intellectual Medicine” approach includes:

• MRI surveillance over routine biopsies
• Detoxification from environmental carcinogens like cadmium
• Repurposed medications such as metformin, sirolimus, and ivermectin
• Supplements that support immune health and cellular balance
• Testosterone therapy, even in the presence of prostate cancer, when clinically indicated

The goal? Create a body environment that is inhospitable to cancer—and avoid unnecessary harm.

Final Thought

If you or your patient has been told a prostate biopsy is the only way forward—pause. Ask: What would I do with this information? Will it change my outcome? Or will it simply launch a cascade of unnecessary treatments?

Prostate cancer is common. Aggressive treatment is not always necessary.

— Dr. Stephen Petteruti
 Author of Fight Cancer Like a Man

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, trying to avoid a biopsy, or looking for a second opinion, you're not alone.

👉 Schedule a private virtual consultation with Dr. Petteruti to review your labs, imaging, and build a plan that protects your health and your quality of life. 🔗 Book a Consultation here

👉 Or, join The Prostate Protocol Membership to access exclusive resources, Q&A calls, supplement strategies, and non-invasive monitoring tools used in Dr. Petteruti’s practice.
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Your next move doesn’t have to be radical—it just has to be strategic.

Listen & Watch the entire podcast here: Think Twice Before a Prostate Biopsy: The Evidence You Need to Hear