Headaches? Your Doctor Can Help You More Than You Think

If You're A Man And 40, It's Time To Watch Out For Prostate Cancer

After age 40, men need to be concerned about prostate cancer. Signs of this disease show up in one out of seven men over the age of 40. Here is what you need to know about this disease and how to make sure it doesn't cut your life short.

Prostate Cancer Displays Few Symptoms

Regular screenings with your urologist are important to catch this disease because it can become severe before showing any symptoms. Early detection and treatment are important to conquer this cancer. Once the cancer cells become lodged in the prostate, they can spread to other parts of the body. The cancer is easier to deal with when caught in the prostate. Once the cancer cells show up in other organs, the treatment is more challenging.

When Symptoms Do Arise

If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately. They are also symptoms for other conditions and your doctor will want to rule out prostate cancer early in the diagnosis.

  • You have a difficult time starting and stopping your urine.
  • You need to urinate frequently and do so in small amounts.
  • You leak urine when you cough or sneeze.
  • You have a burning feeling when you urinate.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Your doctor will do two tests to check the health of your prostate.

  • Blood test - A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is released by your immune system into the bloodstream in response to actively reproducing cancer cells in your prostate. The blood test checks for the existence of this antigen.
  • Manual exam - Your doctor will feel for your prostate to determine if it is enlarged.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

The treatment depends on how advanced the cancer has become and whether it has spread.

  • Surgery - The portion of the prostate gland containing the cancer cells can be removed.
  • Radiation therapy - Radiation focused on the cancer cells stops them from reproducing and kills them. This treatment may be used in combination with surgery to make sure all of the cancer cells have been removed.
  • Chemotherapy - If the cancer has spread, then chemotherapy must be used to find and kill the cells.
  • Hormone therapy - This treatment reduces the production of male hormones that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

The sooner your doctor can identify prostate cancer, the more likely it is that you'll be cured of it. Don't wait until the cancer has become advanced and risk that all of the cells can't be found and killed.

For professional help, contact a doctor such as Dr. Matthew Bui.


Share