September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month | Men Health Wizard

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer (22.5%) in Hartford from 2006-2008, however it accounted for only 5% of the cancer deaths. Prostate problems including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, prostatitis and cancer are extremely common. 8 in 10 men will eventually develop an enlarged prostate and one in 10 men will develop prostate cancer. Despite the prevalence of prostate disease, men lack awareness about prostate health or are reluctant to seek treatment.

Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have any symptoms at all. Some symptoms of prostate cancer are:

- Difficulty in starting urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn?t go away
- Painful ejaculation

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor. These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer. Risk factors: Men 50 years or older African American Father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer

Screening for Prostate cancer:

Not all medical experts agree that screening for prostate cancer will save lives. Currently, there is not enough credible evidence to decide if the potential benefit of screening outweighs the potential risks. The potential benefit of prostate cancer screening is early detection of cancer, which may make treatment more effective. Potential risks include false positive test results, treatment of prostate cancers that may never affect your health, and mild to serious side effects from treatment. The CDC supports informed decision making, which encourages men to talk with their doctors. Tests that are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer are: Digital rectal exam (DRE); Prostate specific antigen test (PSA)

Treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, hormonal therapy, radiation, brachytherapy and surgery.

For further information please contact Carol Steinke, Public Health Nursing Supervisor with the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department at (860) 757-4846.

Source: http://www.menhealthwizard.com/september-is-prostate-cancer-awareness-month/