Prostate Cancer: What Men Need to Know

It's the most common cancer among men. Do you know as much as you should about prostate cancer?

If not, there's no reason to stress. Just keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

What Is the Prostate?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that aids in men's fertility.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Sometimes, prostate cancer is so slow-developing that it shows few symptoms, if any. In other cases, however, the cancer is faster moving or more developed.

In any case, these are the symptoms of prostate cancer to watch out for:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Trouble urinating
• Less force in the urine stream during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain
• Blood in the semen

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. However, keep in mind that these symptoms do not necessarily confirm prostate cancer.

Treatments for Prostate Cancer

The good news for those diagnosed with prostate cancer is that there are several treatments. Depending on your unique case and your discussions with your medical care team, you may undergo any of the following prostate cancer treatments:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Causes of Prostate Cancer

There is no confirmed cause of prostate cancer. However, certain factors appear to be linked to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. These factors include the following:

• Obesity
• Older age
• Family history of prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Screening

Catching prostate cancer early is one of the best ways to prevent severe disease. How do you catch it early? Through screening.

Your health care provider will help you determine when and how often to get prostate cancer screening. Typically, you will undergo a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, a digital rectal exam or both to screen for prostate cancer.

If you are concerned about your risk for prostate cancer, reach out to your health care provider.