Men are often reluctant to talk about problems with their bodies. Many men don't seek the advice of their doctor until it's too late for effective treatment.
Men should learn as much as possible about their bodies. In learning about prostate cancer and men's health issues, men should pay particular attention to developing a healthy lifestyle. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, stopping smoking, and reducing stress.
The prostate gland is a male sex gland. Located below the bladder, it is the size of a walnut. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States.
Remember, early detection and treatment may save lives. Don't be fooled into believing you don't need to see a doctor until symptoms appear. There are usually no signs of prostate cancer in its early stages. Do not wait. Many men experience problems with the prostate because of a non-cancerous condition known as BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. With BPH, the prostate gland may grow larger, block urine flow, and inhibit sexual functioning.
Problem symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs
- Pain during sex
Remember that these symptoms may mean that you have BPH, or they may indicate prostate cancer. See your doctor for sure. Regular check-ups are important.
Thousands of men all over the country have survived prostate cancer. Each year, our knowledge about and ability to fight this disease increase. Men and their families have important decisions to make following the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Each man is different. Often it is advisable for a man to seek a second opinion, especially if the cancer is in the early stages. Talking with survivors can be helpful. Men need to learn about options and make carefully considered decisions in consultation with their doctors.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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Are all men equally at risk for developing prostate cancer? |
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Advancing age is the most important risk factor for developing prostate cancer. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at greater risk. |
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| 2) |
Does vasectomy cause prostate cancer? |
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More research is needed to determine if there is any association between having a vasectomy and developing prostate cancer. |
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| 3) |
Should only older men be concerned about this cancer? |
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In some instances, prostate cancer can strike younger men in their 40's and 50's, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer, as well as older men. All adult men need to learn about this cancer and pay attention to their bodies. |
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| 4) |
Is there any way a man can prevent prostate cancer? |
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A great deal of research is being done to learn more about prostate cancer. Right now, we don't know how to prevent it, but there is evidence that the advice below can help prevent this cancer.
- Eat a low-fat diet: that means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, while cutting back on meat and cholesterol
- Quit smoking! Some studies have linked rapid growth of prostate tumors with smoking
- Take good general care of your body: exercise on a regular basis, get enough rest, and reduce stress
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| 5) |
Who should consider an annual prostate screening? |
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Men in the following groups should consider having an annual screening
- Men over 50
- African-American men over the age of 40
- Men over the age of 40 with a family history of prostate cancer
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| 6) |
What does the screening test involve? |
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Screening for prostate cancer consists of two simple tests:
- The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- A blood test called the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test
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| 7) |
What happens with an elevated "PSA" or abnormal "DRE"? |
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An elevated PSA or any abnormality in the DRE means that you should talk to your doctor about following up with additional tests. If your doctor suspects the possibility of cancer, then a biopsy may be done. To do a biopsy, the physician takes very small samples of tissue from the prostate. These samples are carefully studied and analyzed to detect cancer. |
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| 8) |
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer? |
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There are many factors to consider in deciding on treatment options. These factors include: life expectancy, general health, cancer stage, and possible complications connected with the form of treatment. Ask your doctor to help you understand the different options and develop the best plan for you.
- Watchful Waiting
Men who choose this option have regular exams to make sure the cancer is not spreading. Men with cancer that is confined to the prostate, whose life expectancy is anticipated to be no greater than ten years following diagnosis, may wish to consider watchful waiting.
- Cancer Drugs/Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone in the body. It may be used for advanced disease or as a preliminary for other treatments.
- Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is removal of the entire prostate gland through surgery. This surgery is often chosen by men in their 50s and 60's with clinically localized prostate cancer who are in generally good health with life expectancy of at least ten years. Side effects of the surgery can often include impotence and urinary incontinence.
- Radiation
With external-beam radiation therapy, radiation is used to destroy the cancer cells in the body. Seed implant therapy, known as brachytherapy, involves implanting radioactive seeds in the prostate to destroy cancer cells.
- Cryosurgery
This form of treatment kills cancer cells by freezing the prostate. You should note that more research is needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment.
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| 9) |
What if I find out that I have prostate cancer? |
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Good sources of information and resources include:
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (617) 624-5070
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
- The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Services 1-800-4 CANCER
(1- 800-422-6237)
- Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Support Network (Survivors Group) 781-843-2211,
413-665-7741
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For additional information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
To receive a free packet of information about prostate cancer, click on the following link:
http://www.baystatehealth.com/1025/Events/908281493.html
