Men's Prostate Health: What You Should Know

Should a man get tested for prostate cancer when he is perfectly healthy and shows no symptoms of the disease? Have you heard the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? It is certainly better to do a yearly screening rather than be caught off guard.

There is certain evidence that having a PSA test done can detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. There is inconclusive evidence, however, that early detection can actually save lives when this disease is caught in its earliest states. Yet, there is certain evidence that a drop in the death rate concerning cancer of the prostate suggests that a man gets early PSA testing done may save lives. According to the NCI, or the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer ranks second in the causes of cancer among men. The first-ranked cause is skin cancer. Advice among physicians varies. Some recommend that men over 50 years of age get the annual screenings for prostate cancer while others recommend that men of any age get the annual screenings.

The dilemma is this: What is a man to do? Most medical organizations and doctors are in agreement that men should familiarize themselves with the methods of early detection of prostate cancer and what the treatments are. In this way, men can make informed decisions about the matter.

Most men may not realize that the prostate is an integral part of a man's reproductive system. Therefore, cancer is only one health concern that is related to the prostate. As men age, the prostate often becomes a source of inconvenient problems that may include cancer. However, many conditions of the prostate are known to mimic cancer. So, then, again the question is raised, "What is a man to do?" It is extremely important that men understand the changes that can happen, in the earliest stages, to the prostate - changes that may ultimately affect a man's health.

Understanding Prostate Changes

The prostate is a gland that is shaped like a walnut and is found only in men. The prostate lies in front of a man's rectum and sits below the bladder. It surrounds the tube that is responsible for carrying urine away from the body. The prostate also plays a part in the male reproductive system because it makes a fluid that makes part of the semen.

There are four main kinds of prostate syndromes which you should be aware of. The first is acute bacterial prostatitis which is very easy to diagnose and to treat. There is also chronic bacterial prostatitis which is also caused by bacteria but does not occur suddenly. There is another kind of prostate syndrome called asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. This diagnosis is made when no symptoms are present. The last main type of prostate syndrome which can occur is prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The main symptoms are an urge to urinate often, breaks in the urine stream, a weak urine flow and dribbling.

Prostate Tests

It has been three years since my father became a subject of a prostate study. It has been very important for him to get a yearly digital rectal exam and a PSA test. I cannot stress enough how important it is for every man to get these yearly tests. You can liken it to a woman getting her yearly mammogram. It is just something that you must do to stay healthy. Early detection is the key!