Symptoms indicative of prostate cancer: Do they truly exist?
Prostate cancer is a common health concern for men, particularly as they age. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends regular screening for males aged 50 and over, with earlier screenings for those at higher risk.
Early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can be subtle and may include changes in urinary habits and other symptoms. One of the most common early indicators is frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia), which can occur due to the prostate tumor pressing on the urethra and disrupting normal urine flow. Other urinary symptoms include difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
Other early signs of prostate cancer may involve blood in urine or semen (hematuria or hematospermia), erectile dysfunction, frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs, and discomfort when sitting. Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or pain while passing stool, can also be a less common early sign.
It is essential to note that prostate cancer often has no symptoms at first because it commonly starts in the outer part of the prostate and does not immediately block the urethra. These symptoms can overlap with benign prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
For early detection, men—especially those over 50 or at higher risk due to ethnicity or family history—are advised to undergo screening tests such as the rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test during regular checkups. A digital rectal exam (DRE) involves a doctor inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for potentially cancerous lumps. The PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by cells in the prostate gland.
A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer, where a doctor removes a small sample of cells from the prostate and examines them in a laboratory. If a person receives a high result on their PSA blood test, doctors may refer them to a specialist called a urologist for further testing.
Regular screenings can significantly improve the prognosis of prostate cancer. In the United States, the main types of screening for prostate cancer are a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Due to regular screening, prostate cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of 96.8%.
It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the early warning signs of prostate cancer and to contact a doctor if they experience any symptoms, such as painful urination, difficulty urinating, difficulty completely emptying the bladder, frequent urination, pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, interrupted or weak urine flow, or blood in urine or semen. Regular screenings and prompt medical attention can lead to early detection and effective treatment.
- Mental health in men is equally important, as chronic diseases like prostate cancer and aging can affect their overall health-and-wellness.
- Harvard Medical School suggests that good nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and therapies-and-treatments can help manage mental-health issues in men.
- Medicare covers screenings for prostate cancer, but it's essential to discuss other men's health issues like sexual-health concerns or conditions with a healthcare provider.
- As men age, they may experience lower back pain and erectile dysfunction due to chronic diseases or aging-related factors, which could be related to underlying health problems.
- CBD, a popular supplement derived from the hemp plant, has shown promise in managing certain medical-conditions, such as chronic pain and inflammation, potentially offering relief for men experiencing symptoms related to prostate cancer or aging.
- Aging men should also be vigilant about their sleep patterns, as sleep disturbances can be a sign of underlying health issues like chronic diseases or mental-health concerns.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper approaches to stress management can help improve mental-health, sexual-health, and overall quality of life in aging men.
- By staying informed about their bodies and being proactive about their health-and-wellness, men can increase their chances of early detection, effective treatments, and a higher quality of life as they age.
