Prostate Cancer
Nearly one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during some point in their life. Fortunately, the survival rate is extremely high, especially in cases where the prostate cancer is diagnosed early.
Preventative screening is something you should discuss with your primary care provider before scheduling. While prostate cancer can be diagnosed early, it’s not clear if the benefits of testing outweigh the risks, such as finding (and treating) cancers that may not cause any complications. Your SSM Health primary care physician can talk through your concerns, the risks and potential benefits of a screening before you make a decision.
Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Localized prostate cancer does not typically cause noticeable symptoms. However, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or infection can present symptoms of:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Interrupted urine flow
- Slow stream
- Burning during urination
If these symptoms do come on suddenly, over a few weeks, they may be a sign of something more, like prostate cancer. Take our simple prostate cancer risk assessment or call your SSM Health primary care physician or your nearest urologist for any major concerns or questions.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
Most diagnostic tests performed are used to look for warning signs of prostate cancer but can’t actually confirm a diagnosis. If your doctor runs one of these tests and your results are abnormal, they will most likely recommend a prostate biopsy to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Treating Prostate Cancer
Localized prostate cancers grow particularly slow, without causing much problem. Because of this, treatment is not always necessary. The side effects of surgery or radiation may be more harmful than active surveillance. If your doctor suggests active surveillance they will perform ongoing observation of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and occasionally a repeat biopsy.
Ultimately, you and your physician will decide the best course of treatment. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your concerns and find the answers you’re searching for.