5 common misconceptions about prostate cancer and the truth behind them

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Talking about your prostate, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction can be unpleasant, but it is necessary to men’s well being. The prostate is a little reproductive organ the dimensions of a walnut positioned beneath a man’s urinary bladder. It is accountable for generating semen and tends to develop much larger with age.

Dr. Guarnaccia“An enlarged prostate is generally identified as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous affliction that could impact sexual purpose,” suggests Steven Guarnaccia, MD, a urologist with Dignity Health Professional medical Team — Sequoia. “Its indicators include slow urine stream, issues urinating, repeated or urgent need to have to urinate, dribbling just after urination, and waking up at night to urinate.”

Prostate cancer is one more popular kind of prostate disorder. It’s the most common most cancers between guys in the United States just after pores and skin cancer and is frequently detected all through a plan checkup.

Myth 1: I do not have any symptoms, so my prostate ought to be fine.

The truth: Guys with prostate cancer may perhaps knowledge symptoms otherwise. Some guys experience unpleasant ejaculation or issues urinating or urinating far too generally. Some others never have signs or symptoms at all. The base line is that you could have prostate troubles with out at any time realizing it. In common, think about possessing your prostate checked at age 55. African Us residents and these with a family history of prostate cancer may perhaps will need to be screened previously, starting at age 45. Communicate to your physician about when and how typically to check out your prostate.

Fantasy 2: A large PSA degree usually means I have prostate cancer.

The actuality: Prostate-unique antigen (PSA) is a protein created by the prostate. When there is a issue with the prostate, extra PSA can be released into the physique. While a substantial degree of PSA in your blood may possibly point out a problem with your prostate, it does not mechanically imply you have cancer. A much larger or tender prostate, urinary tract infections, or vigorous workout, like driving a bike, can have an affect on your PSA rating. So, really don’t panic if your PSA stage is elevated. Talk to your physician what could be the trigger so you can choose the suitable measures to appropriate it. Even though the PSA take a look at is the most frequently utilized take a look at for prostate cancer detection, researchers are searching for new methods to detect cancer previously and improve its therapy.

Myth 3: My PSA check was typical, so I don’t want a rectal exam.

The truth: Two kinds of assessments glimpse for probable signs of prostate most cancers. The PSA take a look at actions the amount of PSA in the blood and is the current typical for prostate cancer detection. In some conditions, although, cancer is identified in males with standard PSA levels, so your physician may perhaps also endorse a digital rectal assessment (DRE). It is a simple course of action in which a doctor examines the rectum and prostate gland. If your medical professional feels a lump, alterations in firmness or dimensions, or nearly anything else out of the ordinary, more checks may possibly be required.

Speak to your health care provider about which check may well be right for you. If the test or exams show that you may well have cancer, your health care provider will refer you to a urologist for a prostate biopsy.

Fantasy 4: Everyone has equivalent hazard of acquiring prostate cancer.

The reality: 1 in 8 adult males will get prostate cancer in the course of their life time. A relatives historical past of prostate most cancers is another considerable danger aspect. 

“Men are two times as probable to have prostate cancer when a brother or father has experienced the sickness ,” suggests Dr. Guarnaccia. “The possibility is substantially increased for adult males with many influenced relatives customers, especially if those people relatives ended up identified at a younger age.” 

African-American men are also at an greater hazard. They are far more probably to get prostate most cancers than other gentlemen. They also tend to get cancer at a young age, have more sophisticated sickness when caught, and have a far more serious variety of prostate cancer than other adult males.

The takeaway:

The target of prostate most cancers screening is to detect and take care of prostate cancer prior to it triggers any indications. Your health practitioner could suggest a DRE and a PSA blood test to look at your prostate. Guys concerning ages 55 and 69 should really focus on the execs and drawbacks of each screening test with their service provider. Make an appointment with your Dignity Health Healthcare Group doctor to evaluation screening possibilities and when or how generally to have your prostate checked. Use our “Find a Medical professionalsoftware to obtain a Dignity Overall health doctor close to you. 

Meet Dr. Guarnaccia

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