It’s possible to have prostate cancer and not even know it. Until the past few years, most men in the United States had their PSA levels tested for cancer, but screening rates have declined significantly since then. This means that if your PSA level is elevated, it could mean that you have prostate cancer. However, the truth is that most cases of prostate cancer are harmless and don’t require treatment. Here are the most common symptoms.
Although there are many options for treating prostate cancer, watchful waiting is a popular option for many men. In a nutshell, watchful waiting means waiting for your symptoms to improve. This is a great option for elderly men or for frail people, but it should only be considered if you have any symptom of the disease. Ultimately, your treatment plan should be determined by your personal situation and the type of cancer you have.
If your PSA level is too high, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. Biopsy is not a pleasant experience. You’ll need to wait for the pathologist to examine the cores to make a diagnosis. Despite its discomfort, a biopsy can help to identify symptoms that could indicate cancer. If you have a history of prostate cancer, you’ll want to make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Several tests are available for screening prostate cancer. Ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy are used to assess the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer may be localized, which is the most common type. Stage 1 is the early stage and may not be present in your case. Stage 2 is when it’s spread far beyond the prostate. However, stage 3 cancer is not present yet. You may need a surgical procedure to diagnose this type of cancer.
Regardless of the type of treatment, prostate cancer screening comes with certain risks. Overdiagnosis and treatment can occur if men are not screened. The most important part of screening is to choose the right treatment option for your individual circumstances. While prostate cancer screening is not always the best option for every man, it’s important to engage in shared decision-making with your doctor. If your doctor has recommended screening, don’t ignore it.
A recent study by Alibhai and colleagues showed that patients younger than 60 years were more likely to undergo a radical prostatectomy than men between sixty and seventy-nine years of age. However, men between sixty and 69 years of age were more likely to receive no therapy than men between these ages. In men 80 and older, nearly all men did not receive curative treatment. Interestingly, the age of the patient, Charlson index score, tumor stage, and the urologist’s schooling all correlated with the decreased odds of receiving curative treatment.
Although a significant percentage of people are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer, no one is guaranteed to develop the disease. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age and African ancestry. African Americans have 40 times the rate of prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men. Other factors, including genetics, environment, and social status, may contribute to this higher risk. For example, obesity increases your risk of developing prostate cancer.
