In short, recognizing changes in your urinary health and understanding your personal risk factors are essential steps in detecting prostate cancer early.
- Urinary habit changes. Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night, or a weak stream may indicate an issue with the prostate gland.
- Unexplained bodily pain. Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away could be a sign of advanced prostate issues.
- Personal risk factors. Age, family history, and race play a significant role in determining when you should discuss screening with your doctor.
This article guides you through the symptoms, risk factors, and screening options available today.
What Are the Most Common Urinary Symptoms?
The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. When the prostate enlarges due to a tumor or other conditions, it presses against this tube. This pressure causes noticeable changes in how you urinate.
- You may experience a frequent need to urinate. This urge often increases significantly during the night, a condition known as nocturia.
- Some men notice a weak or interrupted urine stream. You might find it difficult to start urinating or feel that your bladder is not completely empty after you finish.
- Straining to empty the bladder is another common warning sign. If you must push or strain to maintain a urine stream, you should speak to a medical professional.
These symptoms do not always mean you have cancer. They are also common in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
However, a test to check for prostate cancer helps rule out malignancy.
Does Pain or Discomfort Indicate a Problem?
While urinary issues are the most prominent symptoms, pain can also be a red flag.
- You might feel discomfort or burning during urination. This sensation, known as dysuria, can also be a sign of infection, but it warrants a professional evaluation.
- Blood in the urine or semen is a serious symptom. This is known as hematuria and should never be ignored.
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis is concerning. If cancer spreads to the bones, it often causes deep, nagging pain in these areas that does not improve with rest.
- Some men experience painful ejaculation. This symptom is less common but is directly related to the function of the prostate gland.
If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling a test to check for prostate cancer is the safest course of action.
Who Is at High Risk for Prostate Cancer?
Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing this disease. Understanding these risks helps you and your doctor decide when to begin screening.
- Age is the strongest risk factor. The chance of developing prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50, with most cases diagnosed in men over 65.
- Race and ethnicity play a role. According to the American Cancer Society, African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
- Family history impacts your risk level significantly. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk is more than double that of the average man.
- Genetic mutations can also contribute to a higher risk. Men with inherited mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes may have a higher probability of developing the disease.
If you fall into a high-risk category, you may need a test to check for prostate cancer sooner than the general guidelines suggest.
What Types of Screening Tests Are Available?
Doctors primarily use two methods to screen for prostate issues. These tests are often used together to provide a clear picture of your prostate health.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
The first is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate, in your blood.
Higher levels of PSA can indicate the presence of cancer. However, levels can also rise due to infection, inflammation, or benign enlargement.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
The second method is the digital rectal exam (DRE). During this exam, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or hard areas.
This exam is quick and causes only minor discomfort. It allows the doctor to physically check for abnormalities that a blood test might miss.
Combining the DRE with a PSA test to check for prostate cancer increases the likelihood of detecting the disease early.
Is the PSA Test Always Accurate?
A high PSA level does not always mean you have cancer. As mentioned earlier, BPH or a urinary tract infection can cause PSA levels to spike temporarily.
Conversely, a normal PSA level does not guarantee you are cancer-free. Some fast-growing cancers do not produce high levels of antigen in the early stages.
Doctors look at the velocity of your PSA levels over time. A rapid rise in PSA levels from one year to the next is often more concerning than a slightly elevated but stable number.
What Happens After an Abnormal Test Result?
Receiving an abnormal result can be frightening. However, it is important to remember that it is just the first step in the diagnostic process.
Your doctor may repeat the PSA test to rule out a lab error. They might also prescribe antibiotics if they suspect an infection is causing the elevation.
Advanced imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, may be ordered. These scans provide a detailed image of the prostate gland and help identify suspicious areas.
A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer. During a biopsy, a specialist removes small samples of prostate tissue to examine them under a microscope.
Newer techniques allow for fusion biopsies. This method combines MRI images with real-time ultrasound to target specific areas of the prostate with high precision.
Can Lifestyle Changes Lower My Risk?
Adopting healthy habits contributes to overall well-being and may lower cancer risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Obesity has been linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer and higher mortality rates.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, which contain lycopene, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are often recommended for prostate health.
- Exercise regularly to improve your immune function. Physical activity helps regulate hormones and reduces inflammation in the body.
These changes support your body even if you eventually need a test to check for prostate cancer.
When Should I Talk to My Doctor?
Guidelines for screening vary based on age and risk factors. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and communication is key.
- Men at average risk should start the conversation at age 50. This discussion allows you to weigh the benefits and potential risks of screening.
- Men at high risk should talk to their doctor at age 45. This includes African American men and men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.
- Men at even higher risk should start at age 40. This applies to those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, which is why screening protocols are based on age and risk rather than how you feel.
Schedule Your Test to Check for Prostate Cancer in Dallas, TX
Taking charge of your health involves being proactive about screenings and understanding your body. If you are experiencing urinary symptoms or fall into a high-risk category, it is time to seek professional guidance.
A simple test to check for prostate cancer can provide critical information about your health. Early detection often leads to less invasive treatments and better outcomes.
At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, we prioritize patient education and personalized care. We are dedicated to helping you navigate your wellness journey with compassion and expertise.
Contact us today at (972) 239-5445 to schedule your consultation and learn more about our services and preventive care options.
