Things people with prostate cancer want to know

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and develop faster than normal in the prostate. This is the walnut-shaped gland that makes fluids to nourish and transport sperm.

It is one of the most common types of cancer. Some types of this cancer are mild and may need simple treatment, while others are more aggressive.

Here’s what people with prostate cancer want you to know.

Like some other forms of cancer, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages.

Jeffrey Pressley, 59, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2021 enlarged prostate And the fact that he was urinating a little more than usual, Presley didn’t notice any other warning signs. His doctor discovered the cancer through routine blood work.

Advanced stages of prostate cancer may include:

Your symptoms may vary, or you may not have any symptoms at all.

Because prostate cancer can be difficult to find early, it’s important to keep up with your doctor’s appointments and stay in touch with your team. They can see if testing you for changes in your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level or using a digital rectal exam (DRE) can help check for any problems.

If your doctor finds prostate cancer at an early stage, treatment will be much easier.

“Early detection, in my opinion, is key. Don’t wait,” Presley says. “Whether you’re 20 or 40, go to the doctor. It’s just a matter of taking care of yourself.”

Albert Beau Smith, 67, found out he had prostate cancer more than 7 years ago. But were it not for the fact that Smith visits his doctor regularly, his doctors might not have found the cancer.

“It’s really important, as we get older, to have regular check-ups with doctors,” he says. “Fortunately, I did.”

If your doctor notices a change, they may suggest further testing, such as a biopsy. That’s when your doctor removes a piece of tissue from you to look at it up close in a lab.

If your doctor discovers that you have prostate cancer, don’t panic. There are many forms of treatment. Smith suggests that you do your own research about treatments for prostate cancer.

“When you get prostate cancer, it’s really important to research different treatments,” says Smith. “Years ago, we didn’t have as many options for treatment as we do now.”

Considering your quality of life prior to treatment is crucial. Some types of treatment may fit your needs better than others. For example, proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that treats tumors with high-energy rays. Some studies suggest that this type of treatment may cause fewer side effects than conventional radiation.

After you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may find it helpful to get a second opinion from another doctor. After doing it himself, Smith felt he had more control over his cancer treatment.

“Which [second] The doctor referred me to someone who could review all the different possibilities. Fortunately, I had options. I had options,” he says.

Ray Posey, 69, is urging people to be their advocate and push for the care they deserve. He finds that getting a second opinion can help you find answers that may be most helpful to you.

With prostate cancer, you may feel depressed, restless, or anxious. But there are many ways you can maintain a good quality of life.

“The first big message I would like to say is that there is help,” says Smith.

Take advantage of counseling services and support groups, either in person or online, says Smith. Ken Sosala, 75, was suffering from throat and prostate cancer. He now works as a volunteer for others dealing with a cancer diagnosis. It is part of a one-on-one support group that matches newly diagnosed people with others who have gone through cancer.

“If I can help anyone overcome this disease, I will,” Sossala says.

Relaxation classes such as yoga can also help a lot. Studies also show that getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet can help you feel better.

Presley finds that he is able to keep his mental health in check by focusing on the positive. With his faith and favorite hobbies, Presley is able to stop himself from thinking unwanted thoughts.

Sosala says that while planning treatment and care ahead is important, it helps to focus on the things you can control. Don’t get caught up in the past, and do your best not to worry about the future.

Some people may live with this prostate cancer for many years, or it may go away and come back. Because most people are diagnosed while their cancer is at a low stage, many live long lives with prostate cancer.

Sosala has found it helpful to tell others that, in most cases, living with prostate cancer is like living with any other medical condition. If you take care of your health, go to your appointments, and get treatment, you are likely to have a good quality of life for many years.

Dealing with a long-term condition can sometimes be like an “emotional rollercoaster,” Busey says. Some times, you may worry about the cancer coming back, but other moments, you may be celebrating good test results.

If the cancer remains in the prostate (your doctor might call it “localised”), the survival rate is close to 100%. The vast majority of men are cured of the cancer. This is another reason why early detection and treatment is so important.