If you had to guess, what would you choose as the leading cancer in men? Would you be surprised to learn that it is prostate cancer, affecting approximately 1 in 6 men each year? While a diagnosis of “cancer” can understandably make stress levels and anxiety soar, the good news is that prostate cancer happens to grow more slowly than many other cancers.
Early treatment can often cure this disease. Also, it helps to know that not all men are equally likely to get prostate cancer. Age and family history are major factors. Diet and lifestyle are also being examined by researchers.
Until advances in prostate cancer detection occur, however, all men should be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. In order to avoid needless worry, it is important to realize that many of the symptoms could be caused by other conditions, including minor ones. Err on the side of safety, however, if any of the potential signs of prostate cancer are noticed. If the disease is present, the symptoms will probably mean that the cancer has affected the prostate gland enough to cause swelling. This means that the cancer is no longer in the earliest stage and treatment is vital.
The first noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer may include a feeling of having to urinate often (particularly during the night). It may be harder to pass urine, either when starting or stopping. Trouble passing urine can be caused by other prostate conditions, including an enlarged prostate, so you shouldn’t panic if these symptoms arise, but don’t put off seeking medical attention. Some men may complain of pain while urinating or even after having sex. Any blood in the urine is an indication that you should seek medical help promptly.
More significant symptoms (those which could indicate a more advanced stage of cancer) include a continual pain in the pelvic areas, back and thighs. There may also be unexplained weight loss, fatigue and nausea. Again, these symptoms do not mean an individual has prostate cancer. But they should never be ignored. Why worry? Simply get proper medical care and put your mind at ease. Denial won’t make the symptoms go away and failing to seek treatment will allow prostate cancer to grow. Even if symptoms aren’t caused by prostate cancer, there are treatments for other conditions which may be present. It makes no sense to suffer, whether from prostate cancer symptoms or some other condition.
Since there aren’t usually early signs of prostate cancer, all men should be pro-active and know which symptoms warrant a call to the doctor. There are also tests which can help detect this disease before symptoms are even detected. In addition to knowing the symptoms of prostate cancer, regular check-ups with a family physician are vital to help catch this disease.
A simple, although sometimes uncomfortable, rectal exam in the doctor’s office may catch the first signs of prostate cancer. The test is also known as a DRE or digital rectal exam. Another routine test is a PSA test (PSA stands for prostate specific antigen). A pitfall of the PSA test is the potential of a false negative, especially if there is an infection in the prostate. But if individuals realize that false negatives can occur, they can relax and not immediately assume the worst while waiting for the results.
Finally, controlling risk factors may reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer. A healthy diet and regular exercise can be beneficial. High fiber diets may also help lessen the risk of getting any type of cancer.