June is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an important time to focus on a disease that affects millions of men across the globe. This is a valuable reminder for early detection, education and open dialogue around men’s prostate health.
Here’s what you need to know to promote prostate cancer awareness.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate gland is in the male reproductive system. It produces seminal fluid and takes on a small, walnut-like shape. When these cells mutate and replicate chaotically within the prostate, a growth known as a tumor starts to materialize. Some tumors progress sluggishly, requiring no swift medical intervention, yet other variants spread more hastily. The unconstrained cells can disseminate throughout the body, transitioning to new organs. Therefore, examinees ought to submit to routine screenings; early discovery coupled with astute administration can curb further harm.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Prostate cancer can pose late symptoms, often already present but without noticeable symptoms. That is why regular screenings are vital. Symptoms typically relate to urinary function because of the prostate’s location. However, take note that these signs can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Always consult a doctor if you’re experiencing the following:
- Difficulty starting urination or a weak/interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Therapy
Prostate cancer treatment should depend on the stage of the cancer and its aggressiveness, factoring in the patient’s overall health and their preference. Early stage, slow-growing cancers can be managed with active surveillance, while more advanced and aggressive types require active intervention. Some common treatments and therapy options include:
- Active Surveillance: For low-risk, slow-growing cancers, this involves closely monitoring your condition with regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, Digital Rectal Exams (DRE), and biopsies.
- Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): Involves an invasive procedure to remove the entire prostate gland, sometimes with nearby lymph nodes. It’s a common option for localized cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be external beam radiation (from a machine outside the body) or brachytherapy (involving placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate).
- Hormone Therapy: Commonly known as the Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), aiming to lower the levels of male hormones (androgens) that fuel prostate cancer growth. This can be either through medications or surgical removal of the testicles.
- Chemotherapy: Intake of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This one is typically used for more advanced cases that have spread beyond the prostate.
- Targeted Therapy: Involved drugs that focus on specific genetic mutations within cancer cells to stop the growth.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s own immune system to fight off cancer cells.
Prostate Health: What You Need to Know About PSA Testing
A Total PSA test is the first step in checking prostate health. If results are abnormal, a Free PSA test may be done to provide more insight.
However, PSA testing isn’t for everyone. Screening depends on your age, risk factors, and medical history, so it’s important to consult your doctor before testing.
FAQs
Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
Risk increases with age, but family history (having a father or brother with prostate cancer) and ethnicity (African American men) also play a role.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis often comes after a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). If abnormal cells are found, a prostate biopsy is done to confirm the presence of cancer or tumor cells.
Is prostate cancer curable?
For a lot of men, prostate cancer is highly treatable and often curable. Treatment options should depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
Get Screened for Prostate Cancer at Medi Linx
Has your doctor recommended that you get checked for prostate cancer? This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, take a step forward and have yourself screened. With fast and reliable results, your lab test from Medi Linx Laboratory will give you utter peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your screening!
