Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the type of cancer that most affects men, after skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute indicates that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States.

In addition, it is estimated that more than 200,000 new cases and more than 30,000 deaths from this type of disease will be reported this year. Despite these worrying statistics, it is important to note that when prostate cancer is detected at an early stage, the patient’s life expectancy and recovery is higher. On the other hand, men should keep in mind that there are other physiological changes that can affect the prostate and that it is necessary to have an annual preventive examination.

Learn More About the Prostate 

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system and it has the main function of producing part of the semen compounds. It is a small walnut-shaped gland that is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, while surrounding the urethra (the tube through which urine is eliminated).

The prostate gland can become enlarged with age and cause urination complications and inflammation. Some of these changes can occur after age 30. A tumor or an infection can also cause an increase in the size of the prostate. Therefore, it is recommended that if you notice any symptoms or discomfort in your urinary system, consult your doctor. These changes are not always cancer related, but they may be a sign that something may be affecting the function of this gland. Prostate cancer forms when cells in the prostate tissue begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably and become cancerous cells. To detect this type of cancer, a doctor may suggest a series of screenings and diagnostic tests.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Urination problems
• Weak or interrupted flow (stream) of urine
• Pain when urinating
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or discomfort in the back, pelvis, or hips

Symptoms associated with other changes in the prostate

• Urinating more often than usual during the day and night
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Urgency to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow (stream) of urine
• Pushing or straining to urinate
• Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely
• Fever
• Pain in the lower back or abdomen
• Pain in the groin or scrotum
• Genital and rectal palpation
• Painful ejaculation
• Sexual problems and low libido
• Dribbling or leaking urine

Risk Factors

According to the CDC, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are certain groups of the population that are more likely to suffer from it. Such is the case for African-American men, who are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as other men. Here are the most common risk factors for prostate cancer.

• Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to get prostate cancer.
• Family history: men with relatives (father, son or brother) who have suffered from prostate cancer, including maternal and paternal relatives up to three generations. Other relatives who have suffered from breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer.
• Ethnicity: African American or Afro-descendant men

Early detection

In the vast majority of cases, when prostate cancer is detected at an early stage, there are no serious complications or effects on a man’s health. The CDC recommends that all men should undergo an early detection test in combination with other diagnostic tests to validate the results. Doctors may choose to perform a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, but it is recommended that the result be validated with a higher-certainty test such as a digital rectal exam or biopsy.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, men ages 55 to 69 should consider, in agreement with their doctor, how often they will get PSA testing and what the benefits of this test are over any other screening or diagnostic test.

It is important that you visit your doctor every year and talk about preventive tests and early detection of cancer. Check from what age it is convenient to have them done to ensure your well-being.

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References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). What’s Prostate Cancer? CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/cancer/prostate/basic_info/what-is-prostate-cancer.htm 

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2018). Prostate Cancer: 

Screening. USPSTF. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prostate-cancer-screening 

National Cancer Institute. (2023). Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–

Patient ‘s Version. NIH. https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/tipos/prostata/paciente/tratamiento-prostata-pdq 

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Prostate Cancer. Mayo Clinic. 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087 

American Cancer Society. (2019). What is Prostate Cancer? American Cancer Society. 

https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/tipos/cancer-de-prostata/acerca/que-es-cancer-de-prostata.html