Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, and the second leading cause of death for them, second only to lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS); about 1 in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
That’s why this September, Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to shine a light on this disease, which is primarily one of ageing, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But the good news is that it is typically slow growing, and many people don’t need treatment right away. But don’t let the takeaway be to take your time to get tested. Some types of prostate cancer can spread quickly and are more difficult to treat. Early diagnosis improves the chances of long-term survival, and in fact, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, according to Johns Hopkins; while prostate cancer is still a serious threat, the majority of men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it, according to the American Cancer Society.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
One of the first tests done to assess whether a patient has prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigens (PSA) blood test.
Other ways to diagnose prostate cancer include the digital rectal exam (DRE) and imaging (transrectal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging aka MRI). If the results of any of these tests is abnormal, further testing will be done, such as a prostate biopsy, which is the only way to know definitively whether you have prostate cancer, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas.
Are You At Risk?
Certain men are at an increased risk for prostate cancer. These include men with a family history of prostate or other cancers and older men, particularly over the age of 65. Race also may play a factor. According to the National Institute of Health, Black men have higher rates of prostate cancer “with earlier presentation, more aggressive disease, and higher mortality rates versus white men. Furthermore, Black men have less access to prostate cancer treatment and experience longer delays between diagnosis and treatment.”
If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are treatment options. Men with an early diagnosis often have more treatment options than those at a later stage. These treatments might include surgery and radiation.
Sometimes it’s overwhelming to have to choose your treatment. And it’s important to recognize that what may work for one person may not work for another. In some cases, your doctor might recommend doing nothing. That’s right, because in the early stages, prostate cancer is often slow-growing, and if it’s low-risk and slow growing then sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. If this is the case with you, your doctor will continue to monitor you at intervals that they deem appropriate. If the cancer worsens, then typically treatment will start.
Sometimes prostate cancer can grow and spread beyond the prostate, which may be more challenging to treat. But don’t lose hope because there are still remedies available. Even if your cancer gets to the point where a cure is no longer feasible, there are treatments that can still potentially slow growth and help you live longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult your physician if this is your situation for the best treatment plan. And remember, you can always get a second opinion.
Steps You Can Take To Potentially Prevent Prostate Cancer
While nothing has been proven definitively and there no guarantees, it’s generally thought that if you pursue a healthy lifestyle, outlined below, you may increase your chances of not getting prostate cancer, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center and other experts. These healthy lifestyle tips include:
- Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits (especially pink grapefruit, watermelon and tomatoes) daily and eat less red meat. Decrease fat intake, especially trans fats.
- Tell your doctor about the supplements you take. Some of these may decrease PSA levels.
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain your ideal weight
And remember, the most important thing to do is to get tested. Now!
This information is for educational purposes. Please consult your physician regarding any medical issues. The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast (VNA) is committed to bringing trusted and quality home health, private care and hospice to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772-567-5551 or visit www.vnatc.com.
