Doctors recommend getting regular prostate exams, especially for those over the age of forty-five. The reason for this recommendation is that after this age, the risk of prostate problems greatly increases; when detected early, problems such as enlarged prostates and prostate cancer can be better treated. If you haven’t been getting regular prostate exams, then there is no better time to start. And if you are experiencing any prostate cancer symptoms, you definitely need to get to the doctor, as prostate cancer can be very dangerous, and even deadly, if left untreated.
So what are the symptoms of prostate cancer? The most common symptoms include:
- a decrease in the size or force of urine flow,
- interruption in urine flow,
- pain when urinating,
- frequent urination especially at night, and
- blood in urine or semen
Prostate cancer symptoms that are seen at later stages include pain in the hips, pelvis, back and ribs. Because the initial symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, including bladder infections and enlarged prostates, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms, to get a proper diagnosis. If caught early, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured.
It must be noted at this point that in its initial stages, prostate cancer often doesn’t show any symptoms. Men can go years without experiencing any symptoms, and yet still have prostate cancer. This is why it’s so important to get regular prostate exams, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms. It’s also important to take preventative measures, such as:
- eating healthy,
- maintaining a healthy weight,
- exercising regularly,
- getting yearly prostate exams, and
- taking supplements formulated to protect prostate health
If you’ve recently been given a prostate cancer diagnosis, it’s important to know that there are treatment options that have proven effective for millions of men across the country. Whether or not your cancer was discovered because of prostate cancer symptoms or because of a check-up, be glad that you sought out a doctor for a diagnosis. By catching prostate cancer, you can discuss treatment options with your doctor, and hopefully get back to living your life, cancer free.