Ask a Doc - Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

June is Men’s Health Month – a time to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases, including cancer.  After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, making it important to promote early detection through understanding the basics, risk factors, and warning signs of the disease.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly, remain confined to the prostate gland, and may not cause serious harm.  Prostate cancer has the best chance for successful treatment when still confined to the prostate gland.  Some symptoms are similar to noncancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, so routine screenings are vital.  Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system.  About the size of a walnut, the prostate gland is located below the bladder – the hollow organ where urine is stored – and surrounds the urethra – the tube that empties urine from the bladder.  The gland is essential in producing fluid that enriches semen.

As a man ages, the prostate tends to increase in size.  Mutations or other types of changes to the basic DNA of the cells lead to the cells growing out of control.  The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby tissue.  In time, some abnormal cells can break away and spread – or metastasize – to other parts of the body.  Researchers are unsure exactly what causes prostate cancer; however, a number of risk factors have been identified.
 
Risk factors that cannot be changed to assist in the prevention of prostate cancer include age, family history, and a person’s race or ethnicity.  Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 50 years of age, and the chance of developing the disease increases as men get older.  Prostate cancer appears to have an inherited or genetic factor.  Having a father or brother that was diagnosed with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease.  The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was discovered.  Finally, prostate cancer occurs more often in African American men than in other races.  African American men with prostate cancer are also more likely to die from the disease.

Modifiable risk factors, such as diet and smoking, have also been identified.  Studies show prostate cancer risk may double for heavy smokers.  Smoking is also linked to a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.  However, the risk for prostate cancer decreases to that of a non-smoker of the same age within 10 years of quitting.  Research also suggests high dietary fat may be linked to prostate cancer.  Men in countries with a high-fat diet tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables.  The disease is much more common in countries where the diet consists of more meat and dairy products compared to countries where the basic diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables.  Men who are obese also may have a higher risk of prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with a more aggressive cancer.

Most prostate cancers are detected early through screening.  Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, or are similar to other medical concerns such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – enlarged prostate.  It is vital to discuss the following symptoms with a healthcare provider in order to discover the cause of the symptoms and receive treatment if needed. 

• Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Trouble obtaining an erection
• Pain in the hips, pelvis, spine, or upper thighs
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of appetite

Again, early detection is more dependent upon screening.  Screening is testing to find cancer before symptoms are present.  Detecting prostate cancer at an early stage offers a better opportunity for successful treatment.  Prostate cancer can often be discovered by testing for prostate-specific antigen levels in a man’s blood.  Another way to find prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam.  If the results of either of the tests are abnormal, further testing, such as a prostate biopsy, is often performed to confirm if a man has cancer.

While there is no proven method to preventing prostate cancer, lowering the changeable risks can assist in better health and outcomes.  Quitting smoking will decrease the risk of prostate cancer as well as many other health issues.  Choosing a healthy diet consisting of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also improves overall health.  Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients important in lowering cancer risks.  Finally, maintain a healthy weight by including daily exercise to improve overall well-being.
 

| Posted On : 6/27/2022 4:14:07 PM