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This September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, “about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.” Due to the commonality of prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to educate or brush up on your prostate health knowledge. Knowing the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can help you and your doctor catch prostate cancer before it becomes a serious issue. One of the best ways to maintain your prostate health is to understand the early signs of prostate cancer, so you can be on the lookout for any irregularities. Here are the five warning signs of prostate cancer.
If you’re under 40, you probably don’t need to be too concerned about your prostate health just yet, because prostate cancer is rarely seen in people under 40 years old. Over half of the people diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 or older. It’s important to note that studies have also shown that non-Hispanic Black men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. No matter your age, if you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, it’s best to talk to your doctor immediately. You may end up having a much less serious condition, but it’s better to err on the side of caution, especially if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
The following are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. If you identify with one or more symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor to address these concerns.
Having difficulty using the bathroom isn’t a regular sign of aging. It could indicate a much larger issue. If you’re having a hard time starting urination, a weak or interrupted flow, or you feel like you’re unable to fully empty your bladder, you may need to check on your prostate health because this could be one of the early signs of prostate cancer.
If you find that you’re constantly running to the bathroom, this may be an early sign of prostate cancer. This is particularly true if you’re using the restroom frequently at night. You’ll want to get this condition checked out, so you can receive the necessary treatment and finally get a good night’s rest.
If you feel discomfort, such as pain or burning, while you urinate or ejaculate, it’s important to alert your primary care physician. This could be an indication of a urinary tract infection because many of the symptoms are similar to the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Either way, you should address this discomfort, instead of just trying to live with it, because both can be hazardous to your health long term.
Hopefully, if you found blood in your urine or semen you would know to seek medical attention. This is a clear indication that something isn’t right in your body. Your doctor will be able to run the necessary tests to determine whether or not you have cancer.
Aches and pains are more common as you age, but if the pain you experience doesn’t go away and is located in any of the areas listed above, you need to see your doctor immediately. This pain could indicate that prostate cancer has spread to surrounding areas of your body.
It’s always difficult to get a cancer diagnosis, but it’s not a reason to lose hope. The American Cancer Society reports that “3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.” Cancer is serious, but with early and correct treatment your chances of survival are quite good.
“To maintain your prostate health, make sure you’re regularly seeing your doctor, especially if you’re in a higher risk category,” says Matt Helbert, Director of Clinical Services. “If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Catching the early signs of prostate cancer gives you a better chance at a full recovery.”
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