With 1 in 8 American men set to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime there’s never been more importance placed in early detection.1 Experts all agree… and you can never be too early to check for symptoms now.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancerous death in men, and these numbers are only growing. The most common risk factor is age.2 If you’re over 50 being aware of these early symptoms and having regular screenings could save your life.
An early detection is still the best treatment and in most cases will be completely resolved. However many men let prostate cancer go untreated because they don’t know how to read the early warning signs.
“Sometimes as a man, the most important thing we can do is be honest to ourselves and accept medical help”
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and above the rectum. Being around the size of a walnut it is a small part of the body but provides a vital cog in the production of semen. With age a mans prostate can increase in size and without regular screening cancerous cells can begin to grow. This type of cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland start to mutate and grow uncontrollably. Without early detection these cells can spread into other parts of the body.
Who Is Most At Risk?
All men can be considered at risk of prostate cancer but as we age the chances of developing this disease increases dramatically. Men under 40 are the least of concern but anyone over the age of 50 has a significant increase in developing this form of cancer. African-American men are the leading group of prostate cancer death and are twice as more likely to die then other ethnicities.3
Family History Of Prostate Cancer?
If you have a family history of prostate cancer then genetic risk factors are much higher. If more then one member in your direct family line (grandfathers, father, uncles or brothers) it is highly suggested to complete regular prostate cancers as early detection is still the best defence at beating this disease.
Early Warning Signs You Must Pay Attention Too
There are a range of symptoms noted by medical professionals that arise in early cases of prostate cancer. It is encouraged that if you experience any of the following symptoms to contact your doctor immediately or find local specialists for a screening.
– Difficult urinating especially starting the flow
– Weak or interrupted urine flow
– Frequent urination particularly at night time.
– Pain or burning sensation during urination
– Blood in the urine
– Erectile Disfunction or low performance
– Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
– Constant pain in back, hips or pelvis region
Note these conditions can be caused by many other factors*
Regular Prostate Screening (Annually)
A prostate screening is a process in which cells of the area are screened for cancerous growth. One of the most popular forms being Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. This is a specific type of blood test which looks for PSA levels in your blood which is created by the prostate gland. As a rule of thumb, the higher the PSA level in the patients blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. If there is elevated levels of PSA further testing will be undertaken but this simple process can potentially save your life!
Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?
If you’re 50 or older and/or have a family history of prostate cancer it is highly suggested to get screened on a routine basis discussed with a doctor.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
If prior screenings indicate any warning signs of prostate cancer a biopsy will be conducted to see if it is a benign problem or indications of cancer. A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and viewed under microscope to see if there is cancerous activity. Doctors will use a Gleason Score to determine how likely the cancer is to spread and which treatment will be used to rid the body of these cells.
Prostate Cancer Treatments
Considering the severity of the cancer there are popular treatments most doctors and specialists will use to combat the spread. An active management of routine PSA tests will keep an idea of how the prostate is functioning under the stress. If your doctor suggests this is not a spreadable cancer then keep a close attention to PSA levels is likely enough. If the condition continues to worsen traditional cancer treatments like surgery and radiotherapy are considered.
Contact A Local Specialist For A Screening
If you’re experiencing any of the early warning signs then a low cost screening is your best defence against prostate cancer. Keep your family safe and well informed with routine check ups can safeguard your life and keep you in a healthy state of being. Professionals are available across the entire nation and ready to book in your early detection screening today.
See Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm