September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be like those of an enlarged prostate or BPH. Thus, it is vital for me to talk to their health care providers when they have urinary symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Dull pain in the lower pelvic area
- Frequent urinating
- Trouble urinating, pain, burning, or weak urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Bone pain
Prostate Cancer Screening
There are two types of screening tests used to detect prostate cancer. First, health care providers use the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Second, providers use a digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. They advise both for early detection. Early detection saves men’s lives, and one of the most important reasons to observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
All in all, deciding on a comprehensive treatment plan can be complex if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer. It also depends on the patient’s age and health.
Different Types of Treatment Plans
Some cancers grow so slowly that treatment may not be needed. But, some grow fast and are life–threatening. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your health care provider will review your PSA level, T stage, Gleason score, and biopsy results. The results from these test will help your health care provider predict the likelihood of your cancer progressing or coming back.
Treatment Choices
The treatment choices for prostate cancer are:
- Active Surveillance
- Watchful Waiting
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
- Cryotherapy
- Hormonal Therapy
- Chemotherapy
Often times, treatment plans include more than one treatment option. Treatment plans depend upon many factors, and providers take all these factors into consideration when implementing a plan for prostate cancer.
Personalized Cause offers light blue awareness ribbons that can be personalized with a name, date or message. All in all, these pins show support for someone who needs love and understanding dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. We also offer that same light blue awareness ribbon without personalization to show support without saying a word.
(Content: urologyhealth.org. Image: metro.co.uk.)
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