Currently, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men,notwithstanding skin cancer. There are many factors that can raise your risk of developing prostate cancer and other prostate problems.
The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system. It is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.
Many men experience prostate changes in their lifetime that are not cancer, such as an enlarged prostate and prostatitis. In some cases, these conditions may cause similar symptoms to prostate cancer.
Non-Cancerous Prostate Problems
It is common for the prostate to increase in size with age, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, and more commonly known as an enlarged prostate. The condition is not the same as prostate cancer, but it can share similar symptoms, such as needing to urinate more than usual and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This is because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), and if the prostate becomes enlarged, it can restrict the urethra, making it more difficult to pass urine.
Prostate is is another condition that is associated with inflammation of the prostate gland and can be cause by a bacterial infection. It is a common condition that can cause groin and pelvic pain, as well as difficulty urinating.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can develop when the cells in the prostate start to grow out of control. Not all prostate cancers cause problems, some grow too slowly to cause any complications or to affect life expectancy. Because of this, many men with prostate cancer don’t require treatment. However, some prostate cancer can grow quickly, meaning it is more likely to spread and cause problems. Treatment may therefore be recommended to stop the cancer from spreading.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can vary. Some men do not have symptoms at all, while others may experience:
- Trouble starting urination
- Weak/interrupted flow of urine
- Urinating more often (especially at night)
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pelvic, hip, or back pain that doesn’t go away
- Pain during ejaculation
If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
- AgeAging is the most common risk factor for prostate cancer. It is most common in men over the age of 50 and the older a man is, the greater the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- RaceIt is still unclear why, but African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than men of other races. Prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced in African American men and is more likely to develop at a younger age.
- Family HistorySometimes, genetic factors can put men at higher risk of prostate cancer. If a blood relative, such as afather, son, or brother, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk can increase. Also, if there is a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer,the risk of prostate cancer may be higher.
There are other factors that may also increase a person’s risk of prostate cancer, along with other types of cancer. These include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, smoking, hormonal changes, and dietary factors.If you’re concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, discuss this with your doctor.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your treatment options can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The stage of the cancer (whether it has spread to other places in the body)
- How fast the cancer is growing
- Age and overall health
- Potential benefits/side effects of treatment
- Whether there has been past treatment for prostate cancer
- Personal preferences
A treatment plan will then be developed that is personalized specifically to your situation and preferences, such as active surveillance, surgery, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. Your doctor will take the time to explain each option to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Enlarged Prostate Treatment Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If you are experiencing symptoms or are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer, visit the compassionate, highly skilled providers at Ironwood Urology.Board-certified urologist Dr. Desi Avila provides screening for prostate cancer, as well as a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments for men’s health conditions, such as enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and Peyronie’s disease.
To learn more or to arrange an appointment with our experienced urologist, call us today at (480) 961-2323, or alternatively you can request an appointment online.
