Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in every nine will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Fortunately, most prostate cancer patients survive and go on to live normal, happy lives. If the symptoms are detected early, the chances for survival are even better.
Because it’s so common, it’s important for all men, especially those over the age of 50, to be aware of the early signs. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor right away. While they could be signs of a different condition, it’s best to get it checked out anyway. If it is prostate cancer, Regional Cancer Care Associates can help get you on the road to recovery.
For most men, the first sign of prostate cancer is urinary problems. That’s because the prostate is located right below the bladder. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, actually runs right through the prostate.
As the cancer grows, men may experience difficulty urinating. It may be painful or feel like a burning sensation. They may have the urge to go more frequently than normal, especially at night. The stream might be slower than it usually is. There could be blood in the urine, which can look like a smear or a pinkish tint. Leakage may also occur.
Aside from urinary problems, many prostate cancer patients also report erectile dysfunction and/or painful ejaculation. They may notice blood in the semen after ejaculating. Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss and fatigue. If the cancer starts to spread to other areas of the body, more symptoms may arise.
Depending on where it spreads, men may have persistent bone pain, like in their hips, back and chest. It might become uncomfortable to sit. And if the cancer spreads to the spinal cord, some men may lose feeling in their legs and lose control of their bladder.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the doctor will perform tests in order to confirm a diagnosis. He or she may recommend a digital rectal exam, prostate biopsy, MRI, CT scan and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
Know that prostate cancer can be fatal. But with early detection and treatment, there is hope.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.