The greatest gift any father can give their family is quality time together. One easy way to ensure you have plenty of time to give, is to take charge of your health. Men can take charge of their health by having a prostate cancer screening.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages. That is why annual screenings are extremely important. The good news is, when prostate cancer is found early, it is treatable if caught before it spreads to other parts of the body.
What symptoms are associated with prostate cancer?
Frequent, hesitant, or burning urination, or pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs can be a symptom of prostate cancer. However, these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders. If you experience any of these symptoms talk with your doctor as to your best course of action.
When should you start screening?
First, talk to your doctor at your next checkup to go over your risk factors. You may have more than one risk factor at play, which can mean a greater chance of developing prostate cancer than other men.
How do I get screened?
There are two standard screening methods:
- Testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a man’s blood. If your PSA level is high, you might need further tests to look for prostate cancer.
- Via a digital rectal exam (DRE). Prostate cancers often begin in the back part of the gland and can sometimes be felt during a rectal exam.
Your doctor will determine which test will be performed.
Prostate cancer has one of the highest curability rates of all types of cancer. This is thanks in large part to early detection standards and advances in treatment. Survival rates decline greatly when cancer is detected at later stages.
We highly encourage you this Father’s Day to give your family the gift of time. Schedule your prostate cancer screening today!
