Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. It affects one out of every six men and it's important to know the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options in order to diagnose and treat it early on. Let's explore what you need to know about this disease!

What is prostate cancer and what are the risk factors for developing it?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that's located just below the bladder and around the urethra. The prostate helps produce semen.

There are several risk factors for developing prostate cancer, including:

  • Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65 years old.
  • Race: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
  • Family History: Men who have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease.
  • Hormones: Testosterone, a hormone found in men, can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The most common symptoms of prostate cancer are:

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed with a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate. If the doctor feels a lump or other abnormality, he may order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The PSA test measures the level of PSA, a protein that's produced by prostate cells, in the blood. A high PSA level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor may order a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), which uses sound waves to create images of the prostate. If prostate cancer is found, additional tests will be done to determine its severity and how far it has spread.

How is prostate cancer treated?

There are several treatment options for prostate cancer, including:

  • Surgery: Surgical removal of the prostate is the most common treatment for prostate cancer.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
  • Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of testosterone, which can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Which treatment is right for you will depend on the stage of your cancer, its severity and how far it has spread. It's important to seek treatment for prostate cancer as soon as possible, as the earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

In Conclusion

If you suspect that you have prostate cancer, it's important to see a doctor right away. There are many treatment options available and the sooner your diagnosis is made, the more likely it will be that the cancer can be treated successfully.

Early detection of this disease means there's less chance for it to spread or grow further into other parts of your body like bone or lymph nodes. Let our team know if we're able to help in any way as we may have resources and services that could benefit you during this difficult time.

Mississippi Urology Clinic Can Help With Prostate Cancer

Mississippi Urology Clinic Can Help, please feel free to contact us and set up an appointment with one of our professional Urologists. Keeping you free from any Urological issues is what we do.