Prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men in the U.S., is more common in older men than younger men. Depending on your age and other factors, your health care provider doctor may recommend getting screened for prostate cancer. While any male can get prostate cancer, the risk is higher for men who are 50 or older, are African American, and/or have a have a father, brother, or son who had prostate cancer.
Here are some things to consider, and discuss with your health care provider when deciding if you want to get screened:
- Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that men won’t have symptoms or die from the cancer
- Treatment for prostate cancer can cause problems like erectile dysfunction (impotence) or loss of bladder control
- Prostate screening sometimes says you have cancer when you really don’t, and follow-up tests can cause problems like infections
When you visit your provider, write down your questions ahead of time and take them with you. It can be stressful and easy to forget important points. If possible, take someone with you to take notes. It is too difficult to remember everything the provider discusses.
These questions are recommended:
- Am I at high risk for prostate cancer?
- Are there things I can do to lower my risk for prostate cancer?
- What are the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening and treatment for me?
- Are there any warning signs or symptoms of prostate cancer to look out for?
- If the results of the screening test show that I might have prostate cancer, what are my options for diagnosis and treatment?
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
Not everyone has the same symptoms. And some men ay have no symptoms. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away:
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Urinating often, especially at night.
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
- Painful ejaculation.
Keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.
For more information, visit Basic Information About Prostate Cancer | CDC