Four Common Questions About Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in nine adult males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important for men to have a regular screening test performed starting at age 50, or sooner if their family history suggests it.

In recognition of prostate cancer awareness month, here are four common questions about prostate cancer, tips on when to schedule a screening, and why screenings are important.

Q: What is a Prostate?

A: The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, runs through the center of the prostate. As men age, the prostate gland increases in size.

Q: What is a Screening, and Why is it Important?

A: A screening is a preventative measure to look for a disease or condition before it causes symptoms in the body.

There are two types of prostate cancer screenings – the DRE (digital rectal exam), which involves the physician using their fingers to feel for enlargement or irregular shaping of the prostate, and the PSA (prostate specific antigen), which is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Both screening tests are routine and relatively painless.

Q: What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

A: Generally, there aren’t any early warning signs of prostate cancer, because the growing tumor does not push against anything to cause pain. For many years, the disease may be silent, which is why screening for prostate cancer is such an important topic for all men and their families. Like many conditions, early detection can lead to successful treatment.

In rare cases, prostate cancer can cause symptoms such as:

• Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or holding back urination
• Weak, dribbling, or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs

Men can experience urinary symptoms as the prostate enlarges with age, but it is important to remember that urinary symptoms do not necessarily mean you have cancer. Diseases such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia are benign diseases that cause similar symptoms. Regardless of what is causing the symptoms, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, have them examined by your doctor.

Q: When Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?

A: According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in U.S. men, and about six cases in ten are diagnosed as cancer in men ages 65 and older. African-American men are nearly 1.6 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2.4 times more likely to die from the disease.

Screening for prostate cancer can begin as early as 40 years of age if you have a family history, but for those at normal risk, screening can begin at age 50. While there is some controversy surrounding, early detection offers a better chance to cure the disease or, if diagnosed, it may inform you that you may not need your prostate cancer treated at all.

What age to start screening depends on individual factors, but the following ages are a common guideline for when to get screened.

• Age 40: If you have a family history
• Age 45: If you are African American
• Age 50: If you have no family history
• Age 55-69: Discuss with your doctor if PSA screening is appropriate
• Age 70 or older: PSA screening is not recommended

Participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

Join Frederick Health and the Prostate Cancer Foundation this September to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. If you’re 50, or fit the age and risk factor criteria listed above, it’s time to schedule a screening.

Visit the cancer services section of our website for more information on prostate cancer and what it means for you and your family.