Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your prostate grow and develop faster than normal. This is the walnut-shaped gland that produces fluid to nourish and transport sperm.
It is one of the most common types of cancer. Some forms of this cancer are mild and may require minimal treatment, while others are more aggressive.
Here’s what people with prostate cancer want to know.
Prostate cancer can be asymptomatic.
Like some other cancers, prostate cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages.
Jefferey Presley, 59, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2021. Aside from an enlarged prostate and the fact that he peed a little more than normal, Presley saw no other warning signs. His doctor discovered his cancer through routine blood tests.
Advanced stages of prostate cancer can include:
The symptoms you have can vary, or you may not have any symptoms at all.
Arrange regular check-ups.
Because prostate cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages, it’s important to keep your doctor’s appointments and stay in touch with your team. You can determine whether a test for changes in your prostate specific antigen (PSA) or a digital rectal exam (DRE) can help check for problems.
If your doctor detects early-stage prostate cancer, treatment is much easier.
“In my opinion, early detection is the key. Don’t wait, ”says Presley. “Whether you are 20 or 40, see a doctor. It’s just about taking care of yourself. “
Albert Bo Smith, 67, found out he had prostate cancer more than 7 years ago. But if Smith didn’t see his doctor regularly, his doctors might not have found his cancer.
“As you get older, it’s really important to see your doctor regularly,” he says. “Fortunately, I did.”
If your doctor sees a change, they may suggest more tests, such as a biopsy. Then your doctor will remove a piece of your tissue for a closer look at in a laboratory.
Do your own research.
If your doctor determines you have prostate cancer, don’t panic. There are many forms of treatment. Smith suggests that you do your own research on prostate cancer therapies.
“When you get prostate cancer, it’s really important to research the different treatments,” says Smith. “Years ago we didn’t have as many treatment options as we do today.”
Considering your quality of life prior to treatment is crucial. Some types of treatment may suit your needs better than others. For example, brachytherapy, in which the prostate is exposed to much lower doses of radiation into the surrounding area, can be safer and just as effective as traditional radiation therapy.
Get a second opinion.
After determining that you have prostate cancer, it may be helpful to get a second opinion from another doctor. After doing this himself, Smith felt he was in better control of his cancer treatment.
“The [second] The doctor referred me to someone who could go over all the different options. Fortunately, I had a choice. I had options, ”he says.
Ray Posey, 69, challenges people to be their own advocates and press for the care they deserve. He feels that getting a second opinion can help you find answers that might be more useful to you.
Take care of yourself.
With prostate cancer, you can feel depressed, worried, or anxious. But there are many ways to get a good quality of life.
“The first big message I would say is that there is help out there,” says Smith.
Smith says use counseling services and support groups, either in person or online. Ken Susalla, 75, had both throat and prostate cancer. He is now working as a volunteer for others doing a cancer diagnosis. He’s part of a one-on-one support group that brings recently diagnosed people together with others who have had cancer.
“If I can help someone overcome this disease, I will,” says Susalla.
Relaxation classes like yoga can also be very helpful. Studies also suggest that regular physical activity and a healthy diet can help you feel better.
Presley finds that he can keep his mental health in check by focusing on the positives. Presley’s beliefs and favorite hobbies can keep himself from indulging in unwanted thoughts.
Susalla says that while planning your future treatment and care is important, it helps to focus on the things that you can control. Don’t get caught up in the past and do your best not to worry about the future.
You can live with prostate cancer.
Some people can live with this prostate cancer for many years or it can go away and come back. Because most people get their diagnosis while their cancer is at a lower stage, many with prostate cancer live long lives.
Susalla finds it helpful to tell others that, for the most part, living with prostate cancer is like living with any other disease. If you take care of your health, go to your appointments and seek treatment, you are likely to have a good quality of life for many years.
Posey says that dealing with a long-term illness can sometimes be like an “emotional roller coaster ride.” In some places you may worry about your cancer returning, but in other moments you can celebrate good test results.
You can be healed.
If your cancer stays in your prostate (your doctor may call it “localized”), the survival rate is close to 100%. The overwhelming majority of men are cured of their cancer. This is another reason early detection and treatment are so important.
swell
SWELL:
Albert Bo Smith, Chicago.
Jefferey Presley, Cleveland, Ohio.
Ken Susalla, Tampa, FL.
Ray Posey, Tampa, FL.
Mayo Clinic: “Prostate Cancer,” “Biopsy: Types of Biopsy Techniques Used to Diagnose Cancer”.
American Cancer Society: “Can Prostate Cancer Be Detected Early,” “Living as a Prostate Cancer Survivor,” “Treating Prostate Cancer That Doesn’t Go Away or Comes After Treatment.”
National Cancer Institute: “Is Proton Therapy Safer Than Traditional Radiation?”
Johns Hopkins University: “Prostate Cancer Prognosis”.
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