September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer for men worldwide so we want you to know what signs may indicate potential problems as well as how early detection has led to many patients’ lives being saved!
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancers in men worldwide and eighth most common type overall. Around one out eight males will be diagnosed with this condition during his lifetime.
How to screen for Prostate Cancer?
Screening for prostate cancer is a great way to find the disease at an earlier stage when it’s more treatable. A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test can be used as screening tool and every lab draw from Limitless Male has PSA levels in them! PSA is a type of protein made by the prostate gland. It is found in semen and in the blood. If you have elevated PSA levels, it may indicate a problem with your prostate. Based upon your PSA results, a doctor may recommend additional testing. At age 50, it is also recommended that all men undergo a digital rectal exam to screen for prostate cancer. These simple screenings can be lifesaving!
The PSA test isn’t perfect. Not all patients with elevated PSA levels have cancer. In fact, it is more likely that a man with elevated PSA levels has an enlarged prostate not caused by cancer. It is still essential to have your PSA levels monitored on a regular basis. Other men with slow-growing forms of prostate cancer can live long healthy lives without ever having any problems from their condition.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland in males between the penis and bladder. The fluid that forms semen comes from this organ and grows bigger as you age. Sometimes cells will start growing out of control which could lead to cancer! Prostate cancer is a serious issue for men, as it can lead to many different symptoms. It’s important that you take notice if any of these occur:
- A weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Feeling like you can never fully empty your bladder
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Blood in your urine or in your semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Needing to urinate more often, particularly at night
- Pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away
The symptoms of prostate cancer can vary depending on the person. Men with early-stage prostate cancer may not experience any side-effects. But, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you see a doctor especially if they persist or gets worse.
What Treatment options are available?
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the recommendations of your doctor, and may include:
Active Surveillance: Active surveillance means that you will be able to monitor the cancer’s progression with regular PSA tests and biopsies.
Surgery: The doctor may recommend a prostatectomy. This is an operation to remove the prostate.
Radiotherapy: Higher energy rays are used to kill the cancer in early-stage prostate cases. The five year survival rate for US men diagnosed with early-stage Prostate Cancer is almost 100%.
Being aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer and using the screenings available are important especially as you age. At Limitless Male, we take your prostate health seriously and encourage you to consider the pros and cons of screening, and to see a doctor if you have any concerns about your health. Limitless Male also offers preventative supplements such as Limitless Restore which is meant to provide prostate and urinary support. Other benefits include supporting immune system health, cardiovascular function, and healthy cholesterol levels.
