Find out more about prostate cancer, its symptoms, and ways to protect yourself.
The prostate is a small gland that’s only found in the male reproductive system. Its most important function is to produce prostate fluid, which is one key component of semen. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men along with skin cancer and the second leading cause of death in American men. From the office of our Milford, MA, urologist Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg, here’s what you should know about prostate cancer.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
Like most forms of cancer, prostate cancer won’t cause symptoms during the very early stages. As cancer progresses men may start to experience,
- A burning sensation or sudden urgency when urinating
- Difficulty starting or completing urination
- Urinary leakage
- Difficulty having or maintaining an erection
- Pain with ejaculation
- Rectal pain or pressure
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the lower back or hips
Of course, there are many reasons why a man may experience these symptoms, so when you come into our Milford, MA, office, our urologist will ask you a series of questions and then provide the appropriate tests to determine what could be causing your symptoms.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
It’s important to know your risk factors for prostate cancer so you can talk to your urologist about ways to protect your health. Risk factors include,
- Age: the majority of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 65 years old
- Ethnicity: being African American or Caribbean also puts you at an elevated risk
- Family history of prostate cancer: this can more than double your risk for developing prostate cancer
It still isn’t clear whether factors such as chemical exposure, diet, or obesity may play a role in whether men are more likely to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Is there a way to prevent prostate cancer?
While there is no effective strategy that can fully prevent you from developing prostate cancer, you must be doing your part to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, eating well, and limiting alcohol. If you are a man between the ages of 55 and 69, you must talk with your urologist about getting screened for prostate cancer every year.
If you are concerned about your prostate health, it’s never too soon to start talking with our Milford, MA, urologist about ways to stay healthy and protect against prostate cancer. If you have questions or concerns, call Urology Specialists of Milford today at (508) 473-6333.