4 simple facts about prostate cancer and screening

Getting a check for prostate cancer isn’t an appointment that many guys look forward to but it’s one of the most important consultations you can have. These tips will give you the rundown on what prostate cancer and screening are all about.

It’s a sad fact that a man dies of prostate cancer every 17 minutes, and one in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. However, many individuals with prostate cancer will die of other causes, especially if it hasn't spread. That's why early detection can be a life saver.

Because prostate cancer's usually slow-growing, treatment options implemented early are highly effective. Left undiagnosed, at an advanced stage or if aggressive, prostate cancer can be deadly. After all, it's the second highest cause of cancer-related death in men and, as one of the most common male cancers, definitely a health concern to be managed with age.

According to researchers, two million unsuspecting men are living with prostate cancer. That's where screening comes in. By having a simple blood test conducted during screening, doctors can test for raised PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels and perform a digital rectal exam to determine if there's cause for further evaluation. Now that’s not so bad for protecting your most precision asset – your health – is it?

Medical experts recommend men begin screening between the ages of 40 and 75, depending on family and medical history, race or presenting symptoms.
For those with brothers or fathers who've been diagnosed, or for African American men with other risk factors, screening may be appropriate as early as age 35.

Your doctor can help you decide when screening is the best option for you, but experts say that men who have average risk  begin annual exams at 50.

Symptoms aren’t obvious in early stages of prostate cancer. However, if you're experiencing frequent urination, pelvic pain or painful ejaculation, see your doctor to rule it out.

Check this out: a man is 33 percent more likely to get prostate cancer than women are to get breast cancer. With this in mind, talk to your doctor about getting screened or make a urology appointment today.
Think of yourself as one of those guys who can brave a little inconvenience to stay healthy for yourself and your loved ones.

These 4 tips will point you in the right direction.