According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 13 out of 100 American men will develop prostate cancer at some point in life, and about 2-3 will die from the disease. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men across the country. Prostate cancer is very common, and more likely to develop in older men, African American men and those who have a family history of it. Bringing it a little closer to home, The American Cancer society estimates nearly 2,500 Arkansans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. They also estimate 270 Arkansans will die from Prostate Cancer in 2021.
The good news is that it’s highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early. That’s why routine exams are incredibly important, particularly after the age of 50. If you are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, you may want to consider getting exams even earlier.
There are usually no symptoms in the very early stages of prostate cancer, but pay attention if you experience any of the following:
●Painful urination or ejaculation
●Blood in your urine or semen
●Difficulty urinating
●Urinating frequently, including at night
●Pain in your lower back, hips, abdomen or pelvis
If you’re diagnosed with the disease, take time to talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for your unique situation. An active surveillance approach is preferred for many patients who have slow-growing cancer. Patients who have a higher risk type of cancer or desire curative therapy can often choose between surgical therapy, radiation therapy, or alternative therapies alongside their treatment of choice.
While prevalent, keep in mind that the five-year survival rate for men with local or regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%. Most men do not die from the disease, especially if it’s detected early and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. The best way to stay on the safe side is to get screened regularly, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.
Arkansas Urology provides World Class Cancer Care at 14 locations across the state of Arkansas. Book an appointment with us in your hometown, today.
