Prostate cancer is a problem that affects one in 35 men. Prostate cancer screenings are recommended at the age of 40. The good news is that prostate cancer is much easier to treat if it is caught early. In addition to getting regular cancer screenings, you need to recognize the potential signs.
Urination Problems
Urination problems are often a sign that something is wrong with your prostate. You may find that it is harder for you to urinate. You may also find that your urine comes out in a weak stream. Additionally, there may be blood is your urine.
Problems Getting An Erection
Erectile dysfunction is another potential sign of prostate cancer. Cancer can also cause a decrease in your sexual drive.
Pain
If your cancer has spread beyond your prostate, then you may have pain in other parts of your body. You may have pain in your chest, back, and hips. It is important to note that it is a lot harder for you to treat prostate cancer once it has spread to other parts of the body. That is why regular prostate exams are important.
Loss of Bladder And Bowel Control
Prostate cancer can make it harder for you to control your bladder and bowels. Cancer can press on your spinal cord and cause this.
There is no standard treatment for prostate cancer. There are several things that the doctor will have to consider before recommending treatment for you, including your age, health status, and the size of the tumor. If the tumor has spread beyond your prostate, then this will also affect your treatment. Your doctor may recommend the following.
Watching And Waiting
Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly. Your doctor may not recommend treatment right away if the tumor is small. They may recommend that you get regular exams in order to see if the tumor is growing and spreading.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if your surgery has not spread beyond your prostate. There are several ways that surgery can be performed. Your doctor can take out your prostate. If the cancer is very small, then your doctor can remove the tissue. Keep in mind that you may have bladder issues after surgery. You may also suffer from erectile dysfunction.
If you are concerned about these side effects, then you should let your doctor know. Your doctor can help you manage those problems if they occur after surgery.
Radiation
Radiation can work externally or internally. If the radiation is used externally, then a machine will use x-rays to destroy prostate cancer. Internal radiation involves placing seeds where the cancer is.
There are several reasons that radiation may be recommended. Your doctor may advise that you get radiation therapy if your cancer has spread. They may also recommend radiation if they are not sure about whether the surgery removed all of cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves using a variety of methods in order to boost your immune system so that your body can fight off cancer. It is often men who have advanced prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to reduce the size of the tumor and kill the cancerous cells. If you do not respond to other treatments, then your doctor may recommend that you get chemotherapy. It is also a common treatment for cancers that have spread.
Ultrasound Technology
An ultrasound device can destroy cancer by using heat. This is a relatively new treatment plan, so doctors are not about how effective it is for treating prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Vaccines
There are vaccines that can be used to fight off prostate cancer. The vaccines help your body target the cancerous cells and fight them off. There is no one-size-fits-all vaccine. You will have a vaccine that is specifically for you.
Researchers are not sure about whether it stops the cancerous cells from spreading. However, they do believe that it can increase the quality of life for men who have prostate cancer. They also believe that it can add years to a man's life.
Your doctor can advise you on what treatment is best. However, you ultimately decide what treatment you get. You should discuss the risks of the treatment with your doctor. You should also think about whether you want to deal with the side effects. Furthermore, it is important to think about whether you really need treatment.
If your doctor tells you that you do not need treatment, then there is no need for you to get it. Your doctor will also advise against treatment if he feels that the benefits outweigh the risks. Your health and age are something else to consider. Many men who are older and have serious medical problems decide that the treatment is not worth it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.