How do I know if I have prostate cancer?
In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, making regular screenings essential, especially for men over 40, those of Black or African/Caribbean descent, or those with other risk factors. Early detection through screening is key, as only about 5% of prostate cancer cases are discovered due to symptoms.
Possible Symptoms of Later Stage Prostate Cancer:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain or stiffness in hips, back, or chest
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. If you notice any of these signs, consult your doctor for evaluation and screening.
What is Prostate?
What is Prostate? The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, located deep in a man's pelvis, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. While the prostate...
What is Prostate Cancer?
What is Prostate Cancer? In general, cancer is a condition in which a normal cell becomes abnormal and starts to grow and/or reproduce uncontrollably without having the signals or “brakes” that stop typical cell growth. Prostate cancer occurs when a normal prostate...
Non-Cancerous Prostate Conditions
Non-Cancerous Prostate Conditions Certain non-cancerous prostate conditions may have similar symptoms to prostate cancer, but they do not increase the risk of developing it. However, it’s important to see a physician if you experience symptoms like difficulty...
Are Black men more likely to get prostate cancer?
Are Black men more likely to get prostate cancer? According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. For Black men 1 in 6 will be diagnosed and are nearly twice as likely as white men to die from prostate cancer. While the...
Does prostate cancer run in families?
Does prostate cancer run in families? Your family history can provide important clues about your risk for prostate cancer. While lifestyle factors play a role, genetic factors are also significant. Some cancers, including prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic, can...
Why is Prostate Cancer Screening Important?
Why is Prostate Cancer Screening Important? Prostate cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, only 4% of men discover they have prostate cancer through screening tests, while just 5% find out because of urinary or erectile symptoms. This makes...
What are the different types of prostate cancer screening tests?
What are the different types of prostate cancer screening tests? Prostate cancer is most often detected through screening tests rather than symptoms, making regular screenings vital, especially for men over 40 or those of African/Caribbean descent. Here are the main...
What Does My Diagnosis Mean: Grading and Staging of Prostate Cancer?
What Does My Diagnosis Mean: Grading and Staging of Prostate Cancer? Grading tells us how aggressive the cancer is, while staging shows how far it has spread. Grading: The Gleason ScoreThe Gleason Score is a method used to determine the aggressiveness of prostate...
What is the treatment for prostate cancer?
What is the treatment for prostate cancer? Getting opinions from multiple specialists, including at least one surgeon and one radiation oncologist, to make an informed decision. Surgery: Radical ProstatectomyRadical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes...
What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatment?
What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatment? Prostate cancer treatment can have several side effects, including incontinence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, emotional changes, fatigue, and infertility. Here’s what you need to know: Incontinence:...
Should I be concerned about my sexual health during prostate cancer screening and treatment?
Should I be concerned about my sexual health during prostate cancer screening and treatment? Concerns About the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)It’s common for men to worry that a digital rectal exam (DRE) might affect their sexuality or sexual health. If you have these...
How can friends and family support a loved one with prostate cancer?
How can friends and family support a loved one with prostate cancer? Prostate cancer impacts not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones, including family and friends. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions—sadness, fear, anger, or even numbness—when...
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer?
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer? If you’ve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, here are some practical tips from other survivors: Expect Mixed Emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions and even experience a...
What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer? If you’ve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, here are some practical tips from other survivors: Expect Mixed Emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions and even experience a...