When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
If youre 50 and you havent had your first prostate exam yet, call your healthcare provider to set up an appointment. If youre at higher risk, such as if you’re Black or prostate cancer runs in your family, you should have your first prostate exam by age 45.
Furthermore, if you develop symptoms of urinary tract obstruction, schedule a visit with your provider right away. This may indicate an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia or a urinary tract infection.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Most people are understandably apprehensive about their first prostate exam. Learning all you can about the process can help abate any fears or uncertainties you have. Talk to your healthcare provider about your screening options. A prostate exam is the first step in the early detection of prostate cancer and early detection is key to successful treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/04/2022.
References
Sugary Sodas And Drinks
High sugar intake is associated with all cancers, including prostate cancer. Sodas and sugary drinks in particular can easily tip your sugar intake into unhealthy levels.
One study out of Sweden found that a higher dietary intake of refined carbohydrates, such as cakes, cookies and sugary soft drinks, was correlated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.â´ Another cohort study of over 22,000 men from researchers at the University of California concluded that âlimiting intake of sugars from beverages may be important in the prevention of prostate cancer.ââµ
Permission To Use This Summary
PDQ is a registered trademark. The content of PDQ documents can be used freely as text. It cannot be identified as an NCI PDQ cancer information summary unless the whole summary is shown and it is updated regularly. However, a user would be allowed to write a sentence such as NCIs PDQ cancer information summary about breast cancer prevention states the risks in the following way: .
The best way to cite this PDQ summary is:
PDQ® Screening and Prevention Editorial Board. PDQ Prostate Cancer Screening. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated < MM/DD/YYYY> . Available at: . Accessed < MM/DD/YYYY> .
Images in this summary are used with permission of the author, artist, and/or publisher for use in the PDQ summaries only. If you want to use an image from a PDQ summary and you are not using the whole summary, you must get permission from the owner. It cannot be given by the National Cancer Institute. Information about using the images in this summary, along with many other images related to cancer can be found in Visuals Online. Visuals Online is a collection of more than 3,000 scientific images.
Recommended Reading: Prostate Specific Antigen Psa Screen
What Is A Digital Rectal Exam
The most common way for doctors to check on the health of your prostate is with a DRE. Its a fairly quick and simple procedure.
For the exam, youll bend at the waist while standing or lie on your side with your knees bent toward your chest.
Your doctor will lubricate a gloved finger and gently place it inside your rectum. Theyll press one hand on your prostate, and their other hand will feel your pelvic area. It should only take a few moments.
You may experience momentary discomfort. You may also feel the urge to urinate, especially if your prostate is enlarged or inflamed.
Your doctor will be able to tell you if your prostate seems to be a normal size and shape. In general, a DRE has no risks.
Checking For Psa At Home
Itâs best to look for prostate symptoms and then screen using a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test. While there is no physical way for you to check for prostate cancer at home, there are at-home screening options for PSA. imaware⢠at-home test for PSA can help screen you for prostate issues.
Also Check: When To Start Prostate Screening
Who Should Get A Prostate Exam
Starting at age 50, all men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor. The American Cancer Society advises men at higher risk to have this conversation at age 45.
Youre considered to have an increased risk if youre African-American or if a first-degree relative had prostate cancer before age 65. If more than one first-degree relative had prostate cancer before age 65, you might want to consider beginning prostate cancer screening even earlier.
The ACS estimates there will be about 26,120 men will die from it.
Prostate cancer is easier to treat before it spreads. However, some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that they dont always require treatment. A lot depends on your age and other factors.
Discuss your risk factors with your doctor, and ask if you should have a prostate exam as part of your yearly checkup.
What Does A Dre Involve
You might have a DRE at your GP surgery or at the hospital.
The doctor or nurse will ask you to lie on your side on an examination table, with your knees brought up towards your chest. They will slide a finger gently into your back passage. Theyll wear gloves and put some gel on their finger to make it more comfortable.
You may find the DRE slightly uncomfortable or embarrassing, but the test isnt usually painful and it doesnt take long.
Read Also: Prostate Fusion Biopsy Side Effects
What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Not everyone with prostate cancer has symptoms, so regular screening should be a part of your annual physical, starting at the age of 40-50. However, prostate symptoms should never be ignored and should be brought up to a physician.
Typical symptoms of prostate cancer, according to the Prostate Conditions Education Council , include:
- Frequent urination
- Weak urinary stream
Can I Check For Prostate Cancer At Home
It is strongly advised under any circumstances not to self-examine for prostate cancer at home either by yourself or with a partner. Not only does it take a skilled professional to assess how the prostate feels to make an accurate determination of overall prostate health, self-examinations have the potential to cause injury.
âSince the prostate is an internal gland, itâs extremely important that only licensed medical professionals conduct the exam. At-home self-exams should not be administered in order to avoid injury or self-harm. Regular screening is important for prostate cancer, as the disease often does not present symptoms until it is too late. Talk to your doctor about making sure you receive a regular DRE check-up at each visit.â
While actually screening yourself for prostate cancer at home is ill advised, you can still monitor your risk factors for prostate cancer between yearly check-ups, like practicing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Don’t Miss: Prostate Cancer Family History Risk
> > > 1 Bedtime Hack To Pee Like A Bull
An enlarged prostate can also be the cause of other problems. If the enlarged prostate is causing symptoms, the best treatment would be a natural remedy. In the meantime, there are treatments for a wide range of conditions that cause a man to experience pain. A common surgical procedure involves an electric loop, laser, or electro-stimulation. The procedure is a safe and effective option for treating enlarged or symptomatic BPH.
Although The Percentage Of Cases In Men Is Much Lower Than In Women Male Breast Cancer Accounts For A Por
Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. These include your blood pressure, heart rate and metab. Treatment for bladder cancer depends on your overall health, progression of the c. If breast cancer is diagnosed at an early enough stage, it’s treatable. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. The hormones that your thyroid gland produces help regulate several of your bodily functions. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is. It’s a good idea to get to know what’s normal for your breasts. Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men.
But hearing the words can still be scary. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. It’s a good idea to get to know what’s normal for your breasts. Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders. If your diagnosis is thyroid cancer, you may be able to breathe a bit easier, as it’s one of the most treatable cancers when caugh.
Recommended Reading: Is Coffee Bad For Prostate
> > > All Natural Technique Fixes Enlarged Prostate Watch Here< <
Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
Self Prostate Exam: Hot Water With Hip Bath For 5 Days
How to avoid the detour on the diagnosis of the disease? Experts recommend a simple self prostate exam which is:
If you find yourself may have at least one of the above three types of symptoms, patients can use hip bath with hot water daily for 1-2 times, each time 20 minutes. The water temperature should always remain at 50 Celsius degrees, and receive the treatment continuously for 5 days. If the symptoms reduce or disappear, the patient is likely to be suffering from chronic prostatitis. This self prostate exam is simple with no toxic side effects and helpful for the diagnosis and treatment.
Read Also: What Is A Prostate Massage
Although It Is The Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancer In American Women Breast Cancer Can Impact People Of All Genders
There are a number of different treatments doctors recommend. But hearing the words can still be scary. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. These include your blood pressure, heart rate and metab. Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. Hearing the doctor tell you that you’ve got cancer is undoubtedly one of the worst things you may experience. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. Of course, your specialist is the main person whose advice you should follow but it doesn’t do anyone harm.
Although it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in american women, breast cancer can impact people of all genders prostate cancer exam. Of course, your specialist is the main person whose advice you should follow but it doesn’t do anyone harm.
Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. There are a number of different treatments doctors recommend. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is.
How To Get Checked For Prostate Cancer
Know the symptoms of prostate cancer and how to get checked
One in eight men is affected by prostate cancer, so its understandable to be concerned about it. However, unlike breast cancer, where there is a national screening programme and often a tell-tale symptom such as a lump, its not so easy to check yourself for prostate cancer.
This blog will help you to understand what you can do to check for prostate cancer, the tests and exams that are used, and when and how to get them.
Firstly, there are two basic tests which, if you go to your GP, theyre likely to do if they suspect or want to rule out prostate cancer:
- A PSA test
- A digital rectal examination
PSA testing
A PSA test is a blood test that looks at the levels of a type of protein called prostate specific antigen thats circulating in your body. PSA is produced by normal cells in your prostate and also by cancerous cells, although sometimes the cancerous cells produce more. A high PSA level could be a sign of prostate cancer.
However, its not that simple. All men have some PSA in their blood and the amount they have can vary from one person to another. And in general, the older you are, the more PSA you naturally produce. There are other factors that can also cause your PSA levels to rise, such as a condition called prostatitis. It can even change from day-to-day and effect a test result due to:
Given that PSA isnt enough on its own, a GP may carry out other prostate checks like a prostate examination.
Don’t Miss: How Long Can You Live With Gleason 7 Prostate Cancer
Who Should Take This Test
Any male over the age of 40 should establish a baseline PSA level and be regularly screened for prostate cancer. Based on your baseline PSA level and risk factors such as age, race, and family history, you might have to be re-tested annually, while others can wait years between screenings. Men are at greater risk if they:
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Are of Black ethnic origin
- Are overweight or obese
Should You Choose To Be Screened For Prostate Cancer At All
Prostate cancer is a disease that many men die with rather than of that is, despite aggressive prostate cancer killing some men, many more men would peacefully co-exist with their mild prostate cancers if they were left undiscovered.
Detecting prostate cancer might do good if it allows timely treatment to save mens lives, but can do harm via treatment side-effects: impotence, incontinence, the anxiety of false alarms or of discovering cancer, and so on.
Whether prostate screening saves lives at all is still debated. Several trials have found no preventive effect. The best-conducted trial showed that screening could prevent about one in five deaths from prostate cancer. However, this protection doesnt happen very often.
For a useful illustration, see the second page of this information sheet. This shows that over 11 years, about 1,000 men must be screened to save one life. In saving this one life, the trade-offs include:
- scores of men will have to undergo a prostate biopsy
- several will have complications of this biopsy
- about 37 extra men will find out they have prostate cancer
- several will suffer cancer treatment side effects such as impotence or incontinence.
How should we weigh up these pros and cons?
For some men, the small chance of benefit and the larger risk of harm leads them to decide not to proceed with testing. For others, the possibility of averting a cancer death, though small and uncertain, is worth the risks.
Read Also: How To Get A Biopsy Of The Prostate
Psa Screening Blood Test
A prostate-specific antigen is made by the cells of the prostate gland. PSA testing is a common method to test for prostate cancer. PSA is found in semen, with a small amount in the blood. Men without prostate cancer often have PSA levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood. An elevated PSA level increases the likelihood of having prostate cancer .
The American Cancer Society reports that men with a total PSA level of between 4 and 10 have roughly a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer. With a total PSA of over 10, the chance of having prostate cancer rises to over 50%. Following the PSA test, if the levels are high, a doctor may suggest a repeat screening test or a prostate biopsy.
In addition to prostate cancer, there are many other factors that can affect a mans PSA levels.
Reasons for a High PSA:
Reasons for a Low PSA:
Both Tests Are Better Than One
Using these tests together is better than using either test alone. PSA testing together with a DRE may help find a dangerous cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Follow-up tests
If a problem is found, more tests will be done to find out whether you have prostate cancer or another health problem. Further tests can include:
- a follow-up PSA test
- a transrectal ultrasound a test that uses sound waves to make a picture of the rectum and nearby organs, including the prostate
- a biopsy of the prostate tissue samples of the prostate are looked at under a microscope
Also Check: Is Prostate Cancer Usually Fatal
Should You Know Your Psa Level
Instead of a national screening programme, there is an informed choice programme, called prostate cancer risk management, for healthy men aged 50 or over who ask their GP about PSA testing. It aims to give men good information on the pros and cons of a PSA test.
If you’re aged 50 or over and decide to have your PSA levels tested after talking to a GP, they can arrange for it to be carried out free on the NHS.
If results show you have a raised level of PSA, the GP may suggest further tests.