Awareness for Cancer Prevention Month

All men, regardless of age, shape, size and colour should be thinking about their prostate health. 

And the most important advice you can follow is – Get checked regularly.

During Cancer Prevention Month, Gr8 Health is a trustworthy platform dedicated to providing vital information, resources, and support on all aspects of cancer prevention – Because your wellbeing is our priority, and together, we can make strides towards a healthier, cancer-free future.

Find below 5 facts you MUST know about prostate cancer and helpful tips!

Prostate cancer can be inherited.

Research from the National Cancer Institute shows that some cases of prostate cancer have a genetic component. If your father or brother(s) have had prostate cancer, you’re at a higher risk for developing it, too. The more immediate family members with prostate cancer, the higher your own risk becomes. So go to the doctor regularly!

Treatment may not be the first course of action.

Prostate cancer treatment can involve radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or even surgery. However, it’s not always necessary right away. For many men whose cancer is slow-growing and still located within the prostate, the oncologist may suggest active surveillance or watchful waiting.

Bear in mind that “active surveillance” and “watchful waiting” do not translate to “ignore and wait.” You may eventually need treatment for your prostate cancer. That’s why it’s important to follow the oncologist’s recommendations for periodic testing, as this is a critical component of successful long-term outcomes. Many men with prostate cancer experience no (or almost no) symptoms.

Most men survive prostate cancer.

Several different prostate cancer treatments exist, and they can be used alone or in conjunction with one another to create highly individualized and effective treatment plans. So although prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer diagnosed in men, it also has one of the best survival rates.

Having a high survival rate is in part attributed to the fact that it can be found early and carefully monitored through regular screening. Do not ignore the health of your prostate. 

Younger men can develop prostate cancer.

One of the most surprising facts about prostate cancer is that young men can also get the disease. One study reports that about 10% of prostate cancer cases today are diagnosed in men aged 55 or below. Although it is less common for younger men to develop prostate cancer, these patients tend to have the most aggressive forms of the disease.

If anyone in your immediate family has received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, you could be at an increased risk. You might want to talk to your doctor about beginning routine prostate cancer screening sooner than the usual age, which is 50.

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms.

One of the most asymptomatic types of cancer, individuals with early prostate cancer often experience no symptoms. As a result, it’s most commonly diagnosed during routine screening rather than due to a patient’s current symptoms.

Although they’re more commonly experienced during later stages, symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• A weak or interrupted flow of urination
• Burning or pain with urination
• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty having an erection)
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood present in urine and/or semen
• Pain and/or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
• Numbness or weakness in the feet and legs
• Loss of bowel and/or bladder control

While these symptoms can indicate prostate cancer, they’re also commonly experienced due to other health concerns such as prostatitis or a condition that causes the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Since the early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer can’t depend on the development of symptoms, routine screening process has been developed so it is important that you attend regular checks. 

The time to support prostate health and prevent prostate problems is NOW. Don’t leave it until it’s too late – take charge of your health and consult your doctor regularly!

Please note – all men with an enlarged prostate should thoroughly discuss all of their treatment options, including the use of supplements with their doctor and healthcare specialist before commencing treatment.   

Visit our prostate health section

REFERENCE:
https://www.compassoncology.com/blog/5-important-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-prostate-cancer