What Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in a man’s prostate. It is a small gland that produces the seminal fluid which nourishes and transports the sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and primarily remains limited to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow gradually and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Here are a few things all men should know about prostate cancer:

What is prostate cancer and what are the symptoms?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. Almost all forms of prostate cancer start with small deviations in the size and shape of the prostate gland cells. These cells can grow uncontrollably, creating tumors. In most cases, these tumors grow very slowly; however, in a small percentage of cases, they can be more aggressive. Regrettably, prostate cancer in the early, slow-growing stages is almost always symptom-free. Bone pain or blood in the urine may direct an advanced stage of prostate cancer. But the majority of men have no signs or symptoms. That’s why it is vital to be screened regularly.

What do prostate screenings entail?

There are two mechanisms. One is the PSA blood test, which measures the level of Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of cancer. The second component is the digital rectal exam performed by a urologist. While this is the test that many men are anxious about, for the majority it is a fast and painless procedure, lasting just a few seconds. During this exam, the urologist checks for irregularities, asymmetry and hard areas in the prostate. It is important to do both exams because it is possible for a person to have low PSA levels yet still have prostate cancer. Combined, the screenings are highly effective in early detection — important because when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

Who should get screened?

Men should speak with their physician to determine if screening is appropriate for them. However, it is difficult for a patient to make an informed decision about his prostate health unless he knows his PSA level.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

The risk factors include:

Race: African Americans have higher rates than the rest of the population.

Age Risk increases with age.

Family history: If your father, brother or grandfather had prostate cancer, your risk may be higher.

Diet: The high-fat, high-calorie western diet is a factor.

Agent Orange exposure: Past exposure to this chemical brings elevated risk.

Viruses and infections: Researchers believe there may be a link between certain illnesses and prostate cancer.

What are the treatment options?

Perhaps the most important thing a man can do upon diagnosis is to find a urologist who he trusts. A good urologist is not only up-to-date on the available options, but also can help a patient choose the most appropriate course for his individual situation, taking into account his age, general health and the stage of the cancer.