Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer in its early stages often causes no symptoms at all, but if or when it does cause symptoms they can be very similar to the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). That is why it is important to see a physician if you have any symptoms similar to blood in your urine, increased urination at night, frequent urination, difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, or painful urination. Prostate cancer can also cause problems with sexual performance, things such as painful ejaculation or even inability to archive an erection.

Genetics are a contributing factor in the risk of developing prostate cancer. In the United States, prostate cancer is more common amount black men than white or Hispanic men. A study done on Scandinavian twins [1] suggest that forty percent of prostate cancer risk can be explained by inherited genes.

The two main types of screenings for prostate cancer are digital rectal exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. These types of screenings may lead to a more detailed test such as a prostate biopsy. Although prostate screening recommendations vary slightly, we recommend screening all men between ages 50 and 75, and men in high-risk groups (African-Americans or men with a close family history of prostate cancer) should consider screening starting at age 40. The American Urological Association has said that: "The decision to screen is one that a man should make in conjunction with his physician, and should incorporate known prostate cancer risk factors, such as family history of prostate cancer, age, ethnicity/race and whether or not a man has had a previous negative prostate biopsy. These factors are different for every man and, therefore, the benefits of screening should be considered in the broader perspective." [2] Contact a Northwoods Urology office for more information on how you can be screened.