You need to research about prostate cancer and know your own possible risk factors. You do not have to wait to get older to start asking questions. After all, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer to cause deaths in the United States. Something as serious as this must be prevented to get worse. There are things that you should know about prostate cancer that may save your life.
The nature of the disease
Some people believe that prostate cancer is slow-growing so there really is no rush. However, you should think about the fact that it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. Those men may have underestimated the cancer or may not have been diagnosed as early as they should.
The risk factors
So, what makes you most likely to acquire prostate cancer? It seems that race is a factor. More African Americans are getting prostate cancer. Pacific Islanders and Asians, however, are the least likely to get it. You are also more likely to develop the disease if you are fifty years old or older. Most men who have the disease are actually 65 or older. You may be at greater risk if you have immediate family members, such as brothers or your own father, who have developed the disease. Genetics also seem to play a big factor in prostate cancer. Do remember that not everyone who has all the risk factors will later on develop the disease. Similarly, people who seem to not be at risk may still develop the disease. The important thing is to be vigilant and to have yourself checked by your urologist regularly.
The symptoms
While it is good to have yourself checked by a urologist regularly, it would be required if you are experiencing some doubtful symptoms. If you suspect something wrong with you, you cannot just brush it off just because you are still young and do not fall under the group of people who are supposed to be more at risk of developing prostate cancer.
There are symptoms that may be mistaken as ordinary signs of getting older. For example, men with prostate problems may feel back and thigh pains. The hips may also feel achy. Whether you are old or young, you should still get the aches and pains checked, especially if you have not been carrying heavy loads often.
There are symptoms that are quite alarming in themselves. You know there is a problem if you find blood in either your urine or your semen, or even both. You definitely have to rush to your physician if this is the case.
Sexual problems such as difficulty in getting an erection could be symptoms, as well. You may have a purely psychological reason for not getting aroused. However, you may also have a physical reason. The reason could be something as simple as exhaustion and maturing years but it may also be prostate cancer. Another sexual problem that could point to a prostate problem is painful ejaculation.
Urinary difficulties may also suggest a prostate problem. Painful urinating, pus or blood and the urine and other similar problems may not get checked because of shame. You may automatically suspect that you have a sexually transmitted disease. However, you should entertain the possibility of a prostate problem and even prostate cancer. Some of the additional signs are weak urine flow, non-continuous flow of urine and urgent need to urinate frequently. The mentioned symptoms may all seem to point to either sexually transmitted diseases or kidney problems. It is best to get checked for every possibility. Your urologist should know what is best for your case in particular.
The examination and diagnosis
It is good to know how you will be checked for prostate cancer. This way, you do not feel violated. Instead, you can prepare yourself for the tests, knowing that they are necessary to get to the truth. A digital rectal exam is necessary. Your physician’s gloved finger will be inserted inside your rectum to check for lumpy areas. Your prostate, by the way, can be felt through your rectal wall. Your doctor may even insert a probe inside your rectum, in the physical exam called trans-rectal ultrasound. He may even perform a biopsy by removing small tissue samples from your prostate A blood test looking for prostate specific antigen may also be performed. If you have no signs of cancer, you may still see your doctor for regular checkups in the future, just to hold your prostate situation in check. If you have cancer, you have to go through treatment.
Treatment options
The treatment that will be recommended to you by your urologist will depend on your cancer stage and on the rest of your medical background. Some of these treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. You could also be put under radiation therapy or active surveillance. “Active surveillance”, which is also referred to as watchful waiting, is the careful observation of prostate cancer’s effects on your body.
Prostate cancer is serious. With the death count it has been responsible for, it is important for you to know what the possible signs are to prevent its spread. The spread may be slow but it can be quite deadly.