What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate gland. The prostate gland plays a major role in semen production and reproduction. The prostate is located just below the urinary bladder. This year more than 164,000 American men will learn they have prostate cancer. To put that statistic into perspective, that is twice the number of fans who fit into large soccer stadium in Brazil. Most men find treatments that help, but more than 29,000 men died last year in the U.S. from prostate cancer. Who is at risk for prostate cancer? For all men, prostate cancer risk grows with age. About 1 in 9 men in the U.S. will face a diagnosis of prostate cancer in his lifetime. African American men face a higher risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer. About 1 in 6 African American men or Haitian will be diagnosed; often, with more deadly forms of the disease. About 1 in 5 men whose fathers or brothers had prostate cancer will also be diagnosed. This is a larger concern if two or more close relatives have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and they were younger than age 55 at the time. To decrease your risk of prostate cancer, it helps to eat a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits and vegetables. Most doctors agree that heart healthy steps also keep your prostate healthy. The primary goals are eating with your health in mind, exercising daily, losing excess weight and quitting smoking. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? In early stages, prostate cancer may cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they are similar to an enlarged prostate or BPH . That’s why it’s vital to talk to your provider when you have urinary symptoms. Things to watch for include: being unable to urinate, pain or burning with urination or a weak flow. Blood in the urine or semen, and painful ejaculation can also be signs. Late stage cancer would cause bone pain in your hips, pelvis, lower back or upper thighs. Also, it would cause a loss of appetite and/or unwanted weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away about your prostate health.
How do you screen for prostate cancer?
Two tests are done together: the PSA blood test and the digital rectal examination ( finger test ) also called DRE. Screening should be done if you’re older than 55 or have a family history, even if you have no symptoms. If you are Haitian, I recommend you start screening at the age of 40. Talk to your doctor about whether Prostate cancer screening is right for you. What is PSA? PSA is a protein made only by the prostate gland. A high level of PSA can be a sign of other prostate disease, not just prostate cancer. What is the PSA test? This blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Keeping your opponent’s score low is the name of the game. A low PSA is better for prostate health. A rapid rise in PSA may be a sign of something wrong. It could be from an enlarged prostate or prostatitis. Prostate cancer is the most serious reason for a high PSA result. Talk with your provider about when you should get the PSA test. Changes in your PSA score over time will be followed. This test is not often done alone. The combination of PSA testing and the DRE can help you stay on top of your game. What is the DRE? The DRE is a 10 second test. During a DRE, the healthcare provider puts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum. It is done to feel for any lumps, bumps or an abnormal shape or thickness in the prostate. The DRE can help the provider find prostate problems.
Don’t let prostate cancer beat you in the game. Know your PSA number yearly and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Sources: Urology Care Foundation, Campbell Urology.
NB: September is the Birth Month of Dr Angelo Gousse
Sources: Urology Care Foundation, Campbell Urology.