Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Your Risk, Screening and Treatment
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making it an important time for men to learn more about prostate cancer, understand their risk factors and talk with their healthcare providers about screening.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the United States. While some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment, others can be more aggressive. Knowing your risk and understanding the importance of early detection can help you make informed decisions about your health.
At Tennessee Cancer Specialists, our team provides personalized cancer care for patients throughout Northeast Tennessee, including Johnson City, Kingsport and Greeneville. Our experienced oncology team works with each patient to develop a treatment plan based on their individual diagnosis, health and needs.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is part of the male reproductive system and helps produce some of the fluid found in semen.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. Some prostate cancers develop slowly and may never cause significant health problems. Other prostate cancers can grow more quickly and spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.
Because early prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms, regular conversations with your healthcare provider about your personal risk and screening options are important.
Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for prostate cancer. The risk increases as men get older.
Other factors that may increase a man’s risk include:
- Age: Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age.
- Family history: Having a father, brother or other close relative who has had prostate cancer can increase your risk.
- Genetic factors: Certain inherited genetic changes may increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
- Race: Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer.
- Family history of other cancers: Certain inherited cancer syndromes may also increase prostate cancer risk.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop prostate cancer. However, understanding your individual risk can help you and your healthcare provider determine when screening may be appropriate.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. This is one reason conversations about prostate cancer screening are so important.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the back, hips or pelvis
It is important to remember that these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Other conditions, including an enlarged prostate and urinary tract problems, can cause similar symptoms.
If you experience new or persistent urinary or other concerning symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Because prostate cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, screening can play an important role in detecting the disease before it causes noticeable problems.
Two commonly used methods for evaluating prostate cancer risk are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
The PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated PSA level does not automatically mean that a man has prostate cancer. PSA levels can also be affected by other prostate conditions.
The decision to undergo prostate cancer screening should be based on factors such as age, family history, race, overall health and personal preferences. Talk with your healthcare provider about when screening may be appropriate for you.
Why Early Detection Matters
When prostate cancer is detected before it has spread outside the prostate, there may be more treatment options available.
Treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, how quickly it is growing, whether it has spread, overall health and other individual considerations.
Depending on the diagnosis, prostate cancer treatment may include:
- Active surveillance
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy in certain circumstances
- Clinical trials
Not every patient needs the same treatment. That’s why personalized cancer care is so important.
Personalized Prostate Cancer Care in Northeast Tennessee
A prostate cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and uncertainty. Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options can help you feel more confident as you move forward.
At Tennessee Cancer Specialists, our physicians and oncology care teams take a personalized approach to cancer treatment. We consider the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer as well as their overall health and individual needs when developing a treatment plan.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive cancer care while supporting patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.
Tennessee Cancer Specialists serves patients throughout Northeast Tennessee, with locations in Johnson City, Kingsport and Greeneville.
Clinical Trials for Prostate Cancer
Advances in cancer treatment continue to provide patients with new options. Clinical trials can give eligible patients access to promising therapies and innovative approaches to cancer treatment that may not yet be widely available.
Tennessee Cancer Specialists offers access to clinical trials through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations.
For some patients with prostate cancer, a clinical trial may be an option to consider as part of their treatment plan. Your oncology team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be appropriate based on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Take Time to Talk About Prostate Health This September
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to start a conversation about prostate health and cancer prevention.
If you are at increased risk for prostate cancer, have questions about screening or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, talk with your healthcare provider. Don’t assume that the absence of symptoms means there is nothing to discuss.
Understanding your risk, knowing the potential warning signs and discussing screening with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your health.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Tennessee Cancer Specialists is here to provide personalized, compassionate cancer care close to home in Northeast Tennessee.
Prostate Cancer Care at Tennessee Cancer Specialists
Tennessee Cancer Specialists provides comprehensive oncology and hematology services at locations throughout Northeast Tennessee. Our team is committed to providing patients with personalized treatment options, access to clinical research and compassionate support throughout their cancer journey.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Make prostate health part of the conversation.