Growing older for men is usually accompanied by prostate issues. The most common problem is an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes issues with urinating. But the most serious problem is prostate cancer.
If you are a man who is over the age of 65, and especially if you have a family history of the disease, you have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. This is usually a slow-growing disease that typically does not show symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage, which is why it is so important to have at least annual checkups to have your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels evaluated by a urologist.
Men who have prostate cancer and catch it early usually have much better outcomes than those who catch the disease late. For this reason, it is crucial to learn the warning signs of prostate cancer – and possibly save your life.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
The major signs of prostate cancer are evident in the areas of urination, erection, and the lower extremities:
Urinary Tract Problems
● Weak urine stream
● Interruption during urination
● Frequent urination
● Blood in the urine
Erection Problems
● Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)
● Pain when ejaculating
● Blood in the semen
Lower Extremity Problems
● Pain and stiffness in the lower areas of the body such as the lower back, chest, hip, and pelvis
● Bone pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs or feet
How Do I Know if I Have Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer shares many symptoms with other diseases, and only a urologist can make a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms and diagnostic test results. Regular and consistent prostate screening can detect prostate cancer in its early stages before the cancer presents any symptoms.
This type of cancer is typically diagnosed by first checking for elevated prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood. Your urologist will be more interested in checking to see whether your PSA is increasing or fluctuating rather than the number itself, because different men tend to have different PSA numbers.
Prostate Cancer Screening in Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Desi Avila of Ironwood Urology is one of the leading men’s health specialists in Phoenix. He and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating men’s health conditions, from enlarged prostate to erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer. We make sure you are informed of the benefits and risks of every treatment method, because we want you to make an educated decision about your treatment.
Even if you do not have a family medical history of prostate cancer, having regular prostate cancer screenings could save your life. It is recommended to have this done annually, or more frequently if you are at a higher risk. The sooner cancer is detected, the more successful your treatment will be.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer or the screening process, contact us at Ironwood Urology today by calling (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online now. Let us help you enjoy a lifetime of health and wellness!
