Did you know that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men? Research suggests that this year alone, 248,530 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include any of the following:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
• Painful ejaculation

Not all men may have symptoms for prostate cancer. Please note that these symptoms may also be caused by other medical conditions other than prostate cancer.

Should you get screened for prostate cancer?

According to the CDC, there is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer, rather there are two tests that are commonly used.

1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test– This is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. Increased levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. There are other reasons for high PSA levels, such as certain medications or infections.

2. Digital Rectal Examination– This test involves checking the rectum to feel the prostate for anything abnormal that could be cancerous.

What does a prostate cancer screening entail?

Starting at the age of 50, men should consider talking to their Primary Care Physician about getting screened. Certain factors such as family history, age, race, genetics, and eating habits can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Benefits of Screening

Prostate cancer is very treatable and curable if detected early. By getting screened you are ensuring that you are doing everything possible to protect yourself from the negative impacts that arise when prostate cancer is caught in the late stages.

Galen is Chattanooga’s Primary Care Provider

Our goal is to provide the best care for our patients while effectively managing chronic illnesses. Our primary care providers strive to develop meaningful doctor-patient relationships while providing evidence-based treatment. We pride ourselves on being able to meet the needs of our patients at every stage in life and in every situation a patient may find themselves in. Call your provider’s office to learn more about homebound care at Galen.