Prostate cancer awareness: What every man needs to know
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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. About 13 out of every 100 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives and sadly, 2 to 3 of these 13 may die from this disease. Prostate cancer is a serious disease, so it is important to raise awareness and promote early detection to save lives.
Let’s explore the risk factors for prostate cancer, the symptoms, and the screening process. By helping men and their loved ones learn about these topics, we can assist them in feeling ready to take charge of their health care needs.
Prostate cancer risk factors
Understanding the risk factors is important in aiding early detection. The three most important risk factors are age, race and family history.
- Age: While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, the older a man is, the greater his chance of getting prostate cancer.
- Race: African American men are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer as well as getting it at a younger age and being diagnosed at a more advanced stage of disease. African American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than men from other groups.
- Family history: Some men have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer because of genetic factors. If a close family member such as a father or brother has had prostate cancer, the risk is higher, and risk increases if they were diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65. Also, if someone in the family has had prostate cancer and there’s also a family history of breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer, the risk increases.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
It’s important for men to pay attention to their bodies. This way, they can notice any changes or new symptoms that may be cause for concern. Some common signs of prostate cancer can also be caused by other things. So it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty beginning to urinate
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Consistent back, hip or pelvis pain
- Painful ejaculation
Screenings for prostate cancer
Regular prostate cancer screenings can help find cancer early, before symptoms appear. Screening helps find prostate cancer that may spread, aiming stop it before spreading starts.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance made by the prostate
- The higher a PSA level in the blood, generally the more likely a prostate problem is present.
- Age, race, procedures, medications can also raise these levels.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE):
- Healthcare provider inserts their finger into the man’s rectum to feel for abnormalities on the prostate.
- Not recommended by the US Preventive Task Force due to lack of evidence on the benefits.
During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to know about the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer and how early screening can help. Encourage the men in your life to talk to their doctors about whether a screening is right for them. Together, we can fight prostate cancer and help men lead healthier lives.
Sources:
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors | CDC
Genetics of Prostate Cancer | Cancer.gov