What Are the Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

What are the warning signs of prostate cancer? Many times there are no symptoms in the early stages. If there are signs like frequent, burning urination, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) could be the diagnosis. "An increase in the size of the prostate that typically occurs with aging" is the definition of BPH -- which is the most common cause of urological problems in males. (Medicine Net Inc) However, since prostate cancer is the number two cause of cancer death in men, any urological problem is a signal to see a health care professional for diagnostic screening.

The good news is prostate cancer is curable. Early detection, prompt treatment, and prevention are all key factors. According the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 5-year survival rate when caught early is 99%.

Who is at risk?

ACS guidelines recommend that men with a family history of the disease have preventative screenings at age 50, and advise African American males start screening tests at 45. Males 60 years and older have a higher risk and should follow screening guidelines carefully.

Screening Exams

The ACS recommends all men 50 and older have two screening tests for prostate cancer: Digital Rectum Exam (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). If a lump is forming, it can be felt during the DRE. The PSA, which is a blood test, is used as an indicator of the presence of PSA in the blood. Most PSA is excreted through semen, but a tiny amount leaves the body via the blood. These two tests give health care professionals in-depth information for diagnosis, staging, and treatment regimens.

Treatments

The traditional treatments for prostate cancer are:

• Prostatectomy (surgical removal of gland)
• Radiation (external beam or brachytherapy)
• Hormonal (surgical castration or medicines to decrease testosterone production)
• Cryotherapy (freeze the cells)
• Chemotherapy Use of anti-cancer drugs after other methods fails)

There is a new alternative therapy called PC Spes which been effective in some cases. More research is needed to determine the long-term pros and cons of this treatment.

The keys to learning from the warning signs of prostate cancer are:

1. Early detection is critical.
2. Prostate cancer is curable.
3. Yearly screening tests are vital.

The information presented in this article is not intended to substitute for or replace professional advice. See your health care professional immediately if you believe you are at risk for prostate cancer.

Resources:
www.hsc.stonybrook.edu/som/urology/urology_cp_prostatecancer.cfm
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org