The prostate plays a vital role in reproductive health, but often gets ignored until something happens to it. Located in the pelvic region, below your bladder and in front of your rectum, this walnut-sized organ nourishes your semen to ensure it’s viable for reproduction as it leaves the body.
As men get older, the chances of problems affecting the prostate — including the risk of cancer — increase. Second only to melanoma in the number of cancers diagnosed and second only to lung cancer in fatalities in men in America, prostate cancer poses a threat to male health that shouldn’t be ignored.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and to reduce your risk of dealing with this illness, you should know its symptoms. Dr. Craig Herman, Dr. Steven Kester, and the experienced medical staff at Urology Center of Florida are dedicated to helping men in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and South Florida reduce their risk of this illness.
This form of cancer happens frequently, with 13% of men likely to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Annually, around 35,770 men die from this cancer, which most often is an adenocarcinoma that starts in cells that secrete fluid, like your prostate.
Less frequent causes of prostate cancer include small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, sarcomas, and transitional cell carcinoma. Regular screenings for prostate cancer saves lives, as early diagnosis increases the chances of eliminating it before it spreads.
While we know changes in glandular cells can lead to prostate cancer, its actual cause isn’t well understood. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN, abnormal prostate gland cells) is most common in men over 50, as over half have some. These cells develop slowly, and while they aren’t cancerous initially, they can become so over time.
Other factors that can increase the chances of prostate cancer include:
As the disease develops slowly, you may not experience symptoms to start, which is why screening is vital. When symptoms occur, expect signs like:
You can find yourself going to the bathroom more often with this cancer, though this symptom can happen with other illnesses as well.
When you urinate, you may see the flow of urine become weaker and take more effort to release.
Traces of blood when urinating or after ejaculating can be a sign of cancer.
Over time, this disease can affect your ability to get or maintain an erection.
Your legs and feet can become weaker or numb when this cancer worsens.
Your bladder and bowels can become harder to control.
The chances of these symptoms vary with the stage of cancer. For the best chance to avoid or eliminate prostate cancer, call or message Urology Center of Florida today to make an appointment with Dr. Herman or Dr. Kester and our team.
