Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men. If it is detected early, prostate cancer is very treatable, which means it’s so important to spread awareness and urge men to get regular screenings.
Incredible advancements over the past two decades have paved the way for better prevention, detection, and treatment of this disease, and the incidence of new cases and mortality rates for prostate cancer have been steadily declining.
Although it is not always easy to detect early on, problems with urinating could be a sign of more advanced prostate cancer. Other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include:
- Trouble having or keeping an erection (impotence)
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the spine, hips, ribs, or other bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
There are two screenings available to detect prostate cancer, which your doctor can perform. These are:
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.
Doctors recommend getting a rectal exam every 4 years. If you or someone you know is nearing the age of 65, encourage them to talk to their doctor about their risk of prostate cancer.