Prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death and the most common solid tumor cancer in men, is a serious concern that is still poorly understood by many patients. Starting at age 40, the rate of prostate cancer steadily increases. However, the dangers of prostate cancer frequently go unmentioned, and many men do not receive proper encouragement to get screened. With that said, here are ten questions men should ask their primary care physician or urologist about prostate cancer.
Am I at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
Genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors can influence an individual’s risk for prostate cancer. Family history, genetics (gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2), race, age, nationality, physical activity, and diet can all play a role. Therefore, the risk of prostate cancer can vary significantly between individuals. For instance, African- and Caribbean-American men are almost twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as other American men. Many other possible risk factors are under investigation.
Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men speak to their doctor before receiving a prostate cancer screening so they may best make an informed decision. Your doctor may advise different pathways for screening based on his assessment of your risk factors. If you are at average risk, it is typically recommended that you start screenings at age 50. Higher-risk men are advised to begin screening at age 45. If you have a close relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you should likely start screening as early as age 40. Learn more about the decision to get screened for prostate cancer.
What Tests Are Available?
Two tests are commonly performed to detect prostate cancer: the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) and the digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA is a blood test that measures the prostate-specific antigen, a substance made by the prostate. A high PSA level can indicate that cancer is present. The DRE, on the other hand, consists of inserting a lubricated, rubber-gloved finger into the rectum to determine if the prostate is enlarged or if any lumps are present.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
An individual can have prostate cancer without any symptoms. However, some symptoms may indicate that prostate cancer is present, such as:
Difficulty with starting urination
Interrupted or weak urination
Frequent urination at night
Trouble emptying the bladder completely
Burning or pain during urination
Blood in semen or urine
Pain in the pelvis, back, or hips that is constant
Pain during ejaculation
Though it is also possible that other conditions may cause these symptoms, we urge you to contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms are present.
Can an Enlarged Prostate Lead to Prostate Cancer?
An enlarged prostate (benign) is an entirely different condition from prostate cancer. In fact, many of the symptoms above are signs of enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In most cases, prostate cancer is only symptomatic in its later stages, which is why screening is so important in patients of a certain age or heightened risk. This is not to say that enlarged prostate and prostate cancer can’t co-occur. This is possible. However, BPH does not cause prostate cancer. Of note, an enlarged prostate may cause a rise in PSA unrelated to cancer.
How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Several different treatments are available for prostate cancer, and the best course of action depends mainly on the aggressiveness of the tumor. A Georgia Urology physician will help you decide between these options to determine the best way to treat your prostate cancer.
These options include:
Surveillance of your prostate cancer’s development and growth (low-grade)
The short answer is yes. Most men who develop prostate cancer have a low-grade version that is unlikely to spread over their lifetime. There is a saying that most diagnosed men will die with prostate cancer rather than from prostate cancer. However, the grade of prostate cancer can change, and you should remain under the care of a qualified urologist to evaluate and surveil it over time. Some patients wish to have prostate cancer removed from their body, even if it is low-grade and low-risk, and for that, there is a procedure known as NanoKnife, which you can discuss with your urologist.
What Are the Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when found early – called localized or regionalized. This is when the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate or nearby lymph nodes. When caught in its local or regional stage, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100%. This accounts for about 92% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. Metastatic prostate cancer is diagnosed in approximately 7% of prostate cancer patients. Also known as distant prostate cancer, metastasis means that the cancer has moved into other areas of the body, including potentially the lungs and bones. Fewer than 40% of patients with distant prostate cancer will survive five years. This shows the importance of catching prostate cancer early.
Georgia Urology’s urologists are here to answer these and other prostate cancer questions during a consultation, and we look forward to seeing you at our offices. Contact our offices today or schedule a consultation online!
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