One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer affecting men after skin cancer. The survival rate of local prostate cancer is high, with nearly 100% of men living five years or longer after their diagnosis.
But prostate cancer that spreads to other areas of the body can be more challenging to treat. That’s why recognizing signs and symptoms and getting an early diagnosis is important.
Eric Seaman, MD and our team provide men of all ages with top quality urology care, including regular prostate cancer screenings and cancer care.
Taking care of yourself with preventive annual physicals is the best way to avoid complications related to prostate cancer, but it’s also important to learn the signs and symptoms that indicate you have the disease.
In its early stages, prostate cancer doesn’t have symptoms. As it develops, it begins causing noticeable problems.
Prostate cancer that’s confined to the prostate it may cause symptoms that include:
If the cancer spreads to other areas of the body, you might experience symptoms like:
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any pain or changes in your body. Ignoring symptoms could mean the cancer goes undetected longer, making it more difficult to treat later on.
Prostate cancer is most treatable when it’s identified early. But the disease doesn’t have any early warning signs, so getting prostate cancer screenings is the best way to protect your health.
All men over age 50 should get annual physical exams that include a prostate exam. Dr. Seaman performs a simple digital screening to evaluate your prostate and check for signs of cancer.
Additional testing, such as a urinalysis or biopsy, may be needed if he discovers any abnormalities during your exam.
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the severity of the disease and whether it’s spread to other areas of your body. Some types of cancer develop slowly, while others move much faster.
Dr. Seaman recommends the best treatment plan for you based on the cancer, your health, and other factors. In some cases, removing the prostate is an effective treatment to eliminate the cancer. Radiation or chemotherapy are other viable options for some men.
If you notice any of the symptoms we’ve talked about here, make an appointment with Dr. Seaman. The signs of prostate cancer can mimic those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a common condition also known as enlarged prostate.
BPH isn’t cancer, but ignoring signs of either condition could put your health at risk. To learn more about prostate cancer and how you can maintain your health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Seaman online or call our office in Millburn, New Jersey.
