Men’s health is a growing issue. Difficult issues like prostate cancer are being picked up earlier and treated better than they have ever before. Events like Movember are used to help raise the awareness of issues like prostate cancer. Thanks to them, there are more people working on research and development of treatment and hopefully one day a cure for prostate cancer.
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It creates prostate fluid which is typically one of the main components of semen. The prostate also propels the semen out of the urethra. The location by the bladder produces a lot of the problems and symptoms that come from prostate cancer. Unlike many other types of cancer, surgery is not an option for prostate cancer. Men who are diagnosed with it will have an excellent chance to receive treatment and cure it. This is because approximately 99% of men who are diagnosed survive for at least 5 years.
Early Signs of Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Prostate cancer often seems like it comes out of nowhere. This is because it’s difficult to find any sort of early signs or warning. Therefore finding any kind of symptoms should result in a quick intervention so that any treatment can begin. Since the prostate is located so close to the bladder, it’s unsurprising that many of the symptoms are related to urination. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Burning Urination - One of the ways that prostate cancer shows is through painful sensations or burning urination. This is also a symptom of many STDs and STIs so it’s good to check with a doctor whenever this symptom is present.
- Unable to Control Urination - Those with prostate cancer will have difficulty starting to urinate or also to stop urinating.
- Loss of Bladder Control - Those with prostate cancer may find that there is a huge problem with their bladder control. Many have to resort to adult diapers to keep the issue under control.
- Blood in Urine - Many people will see themselves adding blood to their urine. It’s a very uncomfortable sight and can make many people very nervous.
Since prostate cancer can metastasize to other tissue or bones, it can create other symptoms that aren’t related specifically to urination. These may include painful ejaculation and blood in the semen. Erectile dysfunction and unexpected pelvic and leg swelling can also be quite common.
The PSA Test
One of the best diagnostic tools that can be used to help determine the potential for prostate cancer is what’s known as a PSA test. This is a blood test in which blood is taken and the PSA is examined. PSA stands for “prostate specific antigen”.
In most cases, men should have a very low reading as they won’t have much in their bloodstream. Most PSA will be removed from the body via semen, but some remains in the blood. If a prostate is overproducing PSA, then something is amiss in the prostate.
It’s important to note that a high result doesn’t mean you have cancer. The PSA test helps to diagnose one of many different issues with the prostate. It’s very possible that a prostate is simply inflamed or enlarged. While those situations can cause or be a result of prostate cancer, it’s possible that it can be other issues. The PSA test is merely one diagnostic tool of potential cancer sightings. It should be used with every tool a doctor has to make a thorough and accurate diagnosis.