Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer may grow slowly and stay confined to the prostate gland, causing less serious harm; or prostate cancer may spread quickly, needing aggressive treatment. Prostate cancer that is detected early (still confined to the prostate gland) has the best chance for successful treatment.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer, in an early stage, may cause no symptoms. Symptoms that appear in more advanced stages include:
Trouble urinating
Decreased force in the stream of urine
Blood in the urine
Blood in the semen
Bone pain
Losing weight without trying
Erectile dysfunction
It is important to see a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms.
Risk Factors
Age: Prostate cancer is most common in people 50 years or older.
Race: For reasons not yet determined, Black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do people of other races. In Black people, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced.
Family history: If previous blood family members have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk of being diagnosed increases.
Obesity: If obese and diagnosed with prostate cancer, the cancer is more likely to be aggressive and return after initial treatment.
Prevention
Eat a well-balanced diet full of fruit and vegetables.
Stay physically active. Exercise most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor for help creating a plan for healthy weight loss.
Talk to your doctor about increased risk of prostate cancer. If you have a very high risk of prostate cancer, you and your doctor may consider medications or other treatments to reduce the risk.
International Men’s Health Week
International Men’s Health Week (IMHW) is an annual event, celebrate each year on Father’s Day weekend. For the year 2022, IMHW takes place from June 13th to June 19th. The purpose of IMHW is to increase awareness of male health issues globally. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn and stay educated on health issues affecting men and boys.
References
1. The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. “What Is Prostate Cancer?” American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, 1 Aug. 2019, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html.
2. “International Men's Health Week.” Mens Health Month, Men’s Health Month, https://menshealthmonth.org/imhw/imhw.
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Prostate Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 May 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087.
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