Prostate cancer is cancer with a primary origin in the male prostate gland. Cancers in this gland usually grown very slowly, having little effect on a man’s quality of life. Little is known about the cause of the disease, although certain risk factors like age, ethnicity, diet, and family history elevate one’s chances of developing it. Because prostate cancer is a common disease among men over 50, screenings are available to detect the disease in its earliest stages. Early detection of prostate cancer provides the greatest options for treatment and the best chances of a positive long-term prognosis.
Did you know…
that prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men at some point in their lifetimes? Second only to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among adult males. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 238,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year. Fortunately, the prognosis is good for those who seek treatment. Approximately 2.5 million men are currently alive in the U.S. after having been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The symptoms of prostate cancer often do not appear until it has progressed to more advanced stages. Many men discover that they have prostate cancer after undergoing a routine screening for the disease. Of those who have symptoms, many experience difficulty urinating, blood in the semen or urine, lower back and pelvic pain, weak urine stream, and erectile dysfunction. Make an appointment to visit with your urologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or others that cause you concern.