Are You Concerned About Prostate Cancer?

Posted by George Suarez on December 6th, 2018

Approximately 14 percent of U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Men are often reluctant to seek the help of a physician for symptoms that seem bothersome and inconvenient. Early prostate cancer signs often nag a male patient but don't urge him to seek medical advice. Caught early, prostate cancer can be eradicated before it involves another body function or system. 

What Is a Prostate Gland?

The word prostate means “guardian” or “protector”. It is a walnut-shaped gland surrounding the urethra found in the male reproductive system and functions to secrete a milky white slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes approximately 30% of the semen.  Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, especially in men over 50. Screening is advised even if symptoms are not present as some patients don't experience any symptoms.

Since most prostate cancer is slow growing, it is usually initially confined to the prostate without causing invasion or spread. There are also other more uncommon types of prostate cancer that can be aggressive and spread quickly so no matter what, it's imperative to seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating
• Painful urination
• Hematuria, otherwise known as blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Difficulty obtaining an erection
• Frequent constipation
• Bone pain
• Urinary retention or the need to urinate but the inability to make it happen
• Urinary incontinence or the inability to hold urine
• Fatigue and low energy

As with other medical conditions, other illnesses and medications can cause some of the above symptoms so it's vitally important to see a physician for a full physical that includes prostate health screening. Write down symptoms before your exam so that you won't forget while you're being questioned about changes in your health.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

If you are or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, great strides have been made in the last 2 decades in prostate cancer treatments that are much less invasive and are performed in an outpatient setting. It's important to discuss with your physician what treatments are available. Ask how your particular case will be treated and how long it will take to recover. Ask about follow-up treatments or if they are necessary. Be open to more than one opinion, especially if you were diagnosed in the early stages. Many prostate cancer patients can and do beat this diagnosis and lead a cancer-free life for decades after successful treatment. Don’t let life and its many responsibilities hold you back from discussing prostate cancer signs with your doctor.