True or false?
The right answer is false.
Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's better to get a medical check-up to detect prostate cancer.
What you must know about prostate cancer
Prostate cancer, often referred to as a hidden threat in men, is a disease that typically shows no symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to detect until it has advanced or spread to other parts of the body (also known as metastases).
That is why, even without symptoms, regular check-ups and screenings can help catch problems early. You should talk to your healthcare provider and decide when the right time is for you to get screened.
Although uncommon, some symptoms of early-stage prostate cancer might include:
• Needing to urinate more often, specifically at night.
• A weak stream when urinating.
• Difficulty when starting to urinate.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
When prostate cancer is at an advanced stage, other symptoms can also happen:
• Feeling very tired.
• Weight loss.
• Pain in the back, chest, or other areas when cancer has spread to the bones.
• Difficulty getting an erection.
Remember that early detection can save lives. When detected at an early stage, prostate cancer generally has a better prognosis and a higher chance of successful treatment and survival.
When should cancer screening be considered?
You should start this discussion with your doctor if:
• If you are 50+ of age
• If you are >45 years with a family history of prostate cancer (a blood relative such as a father or brother who had cancer)
• If you are an African-American and >45 years
• If you are BRCA1/2 carriers and >40 years
What are the most common screening tests?
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test
The prostate-specific antigen, also called PSA, is a substance produced in the prostate gland and can be found in blood samples. Men with prostate cancer usually present an increased PSA level. When elevated PSA levels are detected, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, can also increase PSA levels. On the other hand, you can have prostate cancer without elevated PSA levels, so therefore additional tests could be beneficial.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a rectal examination in which the doctor inserts a finger with lubricant into the anus (the prostate is right by the rectum) and feels for any lumps, hard areas, or anything concerning in the texture, shape or size of the prostate gland that might be cancer. This test can find cancers in men with normal PSA levels.Although it is less effective to detect tumors at an early stage, it successfully diagnoses late-stage cancers.
You might be busy or maybe you don't like getting examined, but remember that early screening reduces mortality. Please get yourself checked!