One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Other than skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer in American men.
The majority of cases (6 in 10) are diagnosed at age 65 or older, with the average age at diagnosis around age 66. Although rare, it can occur in men below the age of 50. Research indicates that African American men are 60 percent more likely to develop the disease than white, Latino, or Asian men.
The prostate, a gland found only in males, is located between the bladder and the rectum. Its primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Cancer develops when normal cells in the prostate gland become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. In many cases, prostate cancer is relatively slow-growing.
While some men have no symptoms, warning signs of prostate cancer can include:
• Frequent urination, often with the sudden need to urinate in the middle of the night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Weak urine flow
Men who experience any of these symptoms should talk to their doctor sooner rather than later. Your health care provider will do a physical exam and may suggest a cancer screening test.
Screening tests can help detect prostate cancer early
A blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a substance made by the prostate, is often the first step in screening for prostate cancer. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely that a prostate problem is present. A digital rectal exam can also detect abnormalities in the prostate. If the result of either test is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to investigate further.
The American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at:
• Age 50 for men who have an average risk for prostate cancer
• Age 45 for men with a high risk of prostate cancer, including African American men and any male with an immediate family member diagnosed with the disease
under the age of 65
Talk with your doctor to make the best personal decision about whether and when to undergo PSA screening. Early detection can make all the difference for treating the disease before it spreads, often resulting in a better outcome.
When found early, while cancer is confined to the prostate or the region surrounding it, treatment success rates and survival rates are very high. In fact, in the U.S., the five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer is more than 99%.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Many men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are surprised when their doctor recommends watchful waiting, but this is sometimes the best plan. Because it is often slow-growing, prostate cancer can take years to become detectable and even longer to metastasize outside the prostate. In these cases, physicians may choose to closely monitor the prostate cancer with PSA testing and biopsies and begin treatment only if it grows or causes symptoms.
However, some prostate cancer cases are more aggressive and need more urgent treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy are among the most common treatments. A prostatectomy surgically removes the prostate. Radiation seeks to kill the cancer either by directing radiation at the cancer cells externally or by surgically placing seeds or pellets into or near the cancer to destroy the cancer cells, known as brachytherapy.
A urologist or oncologist will recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Thanks to ongoing advancements, many prostate cancers can be treated in very short schedules that result in optimal outcomes, decreased cost, and increased patient convenience.
Ways to reduce your risk
While no one can control age and hereditary factors that can contribute to the development of prostate cancer, lifestyle changes can help decrease a man’s risk. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important factors men can control. Following a plant-based diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing exercise have all been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
Knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and recommended screening guidelines is vital to early detection. The majority of prostate cancer cases are discovered in the early stages, making the disease more likely to respond to treatment.
Talk with your doctor for more information during your annual wellness check.
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