by Karlene S. Lawrence, DNP, ANP-C
September is the time for healthcare providers to provide and discuss Prostate cancer Preventive health education and information, for males not diagnosed with the illness; while also providing support for persons at risk of developing Prostate cancer, have symptoms, and / or already diagnosed with this illness.
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Most prostate cancers are found early, through screening, before it has a chance to cause noticeable problems. However, not everyone chooses to get prostate cancer screening, and screening may not catch all cancers.
Prostate Cancer facts:
- Since 2014, the incidence rate of prostate cancer has increased by 3% per year overall and by about 5% per year for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
- It is estimated that: in 2025 approximately 288,300 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, andapproximately 34,700 will not survive.
- Since 2014, the incidence rate of prostate cancer has increased by 3% per year overall and by about 5% per year for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
- Black men are 17x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are 2.1x more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. Approximately 1 in 41 men will die from the disease.
- Some men are at higher risk for prostate cancer. Speak with your Health Care Provider about prostate cancer screening if you are:
- 40 to 54 years-old
- Have / had a father, uncle, brother or son diagnosed with prostate cancer
- However, when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable… most men with prostate cancer do not die from this health problem.
- There are 3.1+ million men in the U.S. diagnosed with prostate cancer that are still alive.
- Signs and symptoms of early prostate cancer:
- Early prostate cancer may not have any symptoms.
- If present early Prostate cancer symptoms may include:
- Problems urinating: including a slow or weak urinary stream
- Need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
Advanced Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms:
When prostate cancer is advanced, it has grown larger, have possibly spread to other areas, and may cause other symptoms, including:
- Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas, from cancer that has spread to the bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control, from cancer in the spine pressing on the spinal cord
- Weight loss
