September 18, 2017 | Prevention of Illness and Management of Chronic Conditions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States. This disease usually progresses slowly, which means men older than the age of 65 with prostate cancer can have a normal life expectancy. Treatments are available which could help to prolong life. As with other types of cancers, early detection is the best solution to save lives.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
According to the American Cancer Society, there are several symptoms of prostate cancer that men should be aware of:
- Difficulty urinating, including a weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more frequently
- Numbness or weakness in the feet or legs
- Loss of bladder control
- Pain in the back, hips, or chest (indicating that cancer has spread)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in the urine or semen
These symptoms might be caused by other health concerns. So, it is best to talk to a doctor for a diagnosis if these symptoms are present.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Are you at risk of prostate cancer? Just because you have a risk factor, doesn’t mean that you will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. But, researchers have found connections with certain factors that could increase the likelihood of a diagnosis:
- Age: Men over the age of 50 are at risk, and the risk increases as the men get older. Sixty percent of cases occur in men over the age of 65.
- Ethnicity: Men of Caribbean or African descent have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men of other races. Asian-Americans and Hispanics have a lower risk compared to Caucasians.
- Family History: A genetic factor might influence the risk of this disease. It has been found that a family history of prostate cancer could increase the risk.
Other researchers have suggested that lifestyle factors could increase the risk of cancer. For example, diet, obesity, smoking, and pollution exposure might play a role. Additional research needs to be completed to determine a connection for these factors.
Cancer Screening
The best thing that you can do to protect your health is to schedule regular screenings with a medical professional. The American Cancer Society recommends screenings starting between the ages of 40 and 50, depending on risk factors.
If you need help finding the right doctor to help with the screening, then our team at Windward Life Care is here to help. Call us for more information.