Approximately 17 percent of men (1 in 6) are diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime, which means prevention and early detection are keys to success.
There may not be a secret weapon in the fight against the second-leading fatal cancer among men, but there are steps men can take to be proactive. With September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no time like the present.
Men are encouraged to:
- Eat healthy: maintain a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise regularly: find a routine that works for you and stick to it
- Regulate your weight
- Keep in touch with your doctor and discuss any changes in your body
While there are many reasons why men end up at a urologist, most men do not need to be screened for prostate cancer before the age of 50. However, African American men and men with immediate family members who have had prostate cancer before the age of 65 are at higher risk and should consider earlier screenings.
Means of screenings have changed over the years, moving towards less invasive techniques such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which only require a blood sample.
In the past, surgery and radiation therapy used to be go-to treatments for all forms of prostate cancer. Today, active surveillance is considered a viable option. Active surveillance may include a combination of PSA testing, rectal exams and prostate biopsies at regular intervals.
Interested in learning more? Contact your local urology experts at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
