It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!
Last updated: Sep 01, 2009, 09:09 AM
By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group
About Prostate Cancer
A slow-growing disease that typically affects men aged 65 or older, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
The good news is that prostate cancer can be cured if it is detected early, and it can be treated effectively even in its later stages. Two tests, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screen and digital rectal examination (DRE), can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages. As a result of early detection and effective treatment, more men than ever are surviving prostate cancer.
Symptoms
Although many men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, some of the warning signs are:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urinary flow
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
- Difficulty having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
Risk for prostate cancer includes:
- Being age 65 years or older
- Being African American
- Having a father or brother who has had the disease
The American Cancer Society recommends prostate cancer screening if you are a man aged 45 years or older and at high risk. Other men should begin screening at age 50 unless their physician has recommended earlier screening. If you are experiencing symptoms or have risks associated with prostate cancer, a urologist at Summit Medical Group can help you.
To learn more about screening for prostate cancer or to schedule an appointment, please call Summit Medical Group Urology at 908-277-8679.
