How to Check for Prostate Cancer?

Answer 1

The prostate is a male reproductive gland responsible for producing seminal fluid to transport sperm. As men age, the prostate becomes vulnerable to enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, particularly when too much testosterone is present in the body. Enlargement is not necessarily detrimental to health and can be treated with medical interventions. However, men over the age of 65 are recommended to undergo prostate testing to ensure the enlargement remains benign because the risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men and its course is often gradual before detection. Early detection of cancerous cells that remain confined to the prostate gland allows for a better prognosis and successful treatment.

You can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by checking for the early signs and taking steps toward maintaining prostate health:

Take note of early signs including: disruptions in urination, blood in the urine or semen, leg swelling or persistent discomfort in the pelvic region. Prostate cancer does not always present with signs but these subtle changes can give clues to an underlying problem.

Consult your physician for testing. Routine health exams in older men often include a prostate screening. Testing can include a digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen test, ultrasound and prostate tissue collection. The digital rectal exam involves the physician checking the prostate manually. A prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA, requires a blood sample that is sent to the lab for analysis. High PSA levels typically warrant further testing to confirm or rule out potential cancer risk. In the event of high PSA, an ultrasound is used to probe the rectum and take pictures of the gland. A final check system involves collecting a sample of the tissue in the prostate, or biopsy, using a small needle inserted into the gland. The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis of cancer cells.

Wait patiently for results. The screening tools can take several days or weeks to yield results. In checking for prostate cancer risk, it is important to maintain normal daily life functions as you wait for testing results. In cases of very early detection, medical treatment is not necessarily indicated. However, continuation of regular checkups is important for monitoring the progression of cancer.

Additional tips to reduce prostate cancer risk include following a healthy diet, engaging regular exercise and maintaining an open communication with your physician about prostate cancer risk.