When there is a type of cancer that does not show signs or symptoms at the beginning, is there even a way to detect it early on? For males, this is usually the case for Prostate Cancer. It remains to be the second leading cause of death for men around the world, which may be due to late diagnosis and treatment. However, there are ways to be diagnosed early and determine its current stage.
Natural Risk Factors
Some risk factors for Prostate Cancer may be inevitable, such as age, race, and family history. Unfortunately, men who are above 50 years old may begin to be more vulnerable to the disease. Studies have also shown that men of African descent are more vulnerable than other races, though a specific reason has yet to be determined. Like other types of cancers, men who have relatives that have/had Prostate Cancer are also more prone to getting it.
Progressing prostate cancer can spread the pain in the pelvic area
Symptoms
Do you belong in any of the aforementioned criteria? If you do, then it is time for you to visit our oncologists and start getting checked at least once a year. This can give you better chances of getting treated right away. However, there may be some who are already experiencing symptoms of an active Prostate Cancer even before diagnosis. These symptoms include the following:
- Trouble urinating
- Blood in semen
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
Complications
Since the cancer attacks the gland that is responsible for the transportation and nourishment of the semen, some men may have a hard or painful time in bed. As the cancer progresses (metastasizes), the pain can spread throughout the pelvic area and block the natural flow of urine in the tract. A more severe type of Prostate Cancer can also cause urinary incontinence, and may need surgery or medicine for treatment.
How to Get Diagnosed
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it is best to take a test to find out if you do have it or not. There are two ways to be screened: through a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Either one can determine whether there is an abnormality in the area and if it has already progressed. If the screening shows signs of Prostate Cancer, you will have to either take a transrectal ultrasound or a biopsy to be fully diagnosed.
Keep track of your health and start a healthy lifestyle as early as possible to prevent further complications in your body. For more information, you may visit ManilaMed or call (02) 523-8131-65 and schedule an appointment.
