THE EXPERT – Jonesboro Right Now – In the United States, a man receives a prostate cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds. That’s one in eight men throughout their lives, and the risk jumps to one in six for African American men.
Just under every 15 minutes, a man dies from prostate cancer, the second-highest incidence of cancer deaths among men. The worst part is the disease often progresses slowly, remaining highly treatable when found early.
With each September serving as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, these numbers show why I encourage every eligible man to get screened.
First, I understand the hesitation. We, men, like to think we’re invincible.
Talking about our health doesn’t come naturally, and I see the consequences in my office when patients delay care until the disease has spread. Changing that pattern starts with open communication.
Risk factors dictate when to start the screening process.
If you’re African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer, you face higher risk and should begin screening conversations by age 45. We move up those conversations to age 40 if you’ve had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at a young age.
For men at average risk, start at 50 and continue being screened every three to five years through age 75. Your doctor might even recommend every 6 to 12 months if something needs monitoring. After 75, we usually don’t recommend screening, but it becomes a decision between you and your doctor, balancing your overall health with the slow-growing nature of the disease.
The screening process itself is simple. It includes a PSA blood test to measure a protein made by the prostate, alongside a brief digital rectal exam to check for physical abnormalities.
This latter test, unfortunately, keeps so many men from learning about their health. I promise you, however, a small amount of discomfort can add years to your life. If we find an issue early enough, your prostate may remain intact.
Speaking of early-stage prostate cancer, most men feel fine during this period. Waiting for symptoms to appear is a mistake.
If you notice changes like urinary urgency, increased frequency, incontinence or waking up several times a night to go to the restroom, don’t ignore them. Bring them up with your doctor. It might not be prostate cancer, but we should check. Even if it’s not cancer, we often have treatment options that can help.
For those who receive a cancer diagnosis, modern medicine offers clear options.
At St. Bernards, we use the Artemis 3D fusion biopsy system to pinpoint suspicious tissue. Treatment paths include robotic prostate removal, radiation therapy and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).
HIFU is exciting, because it’s a noninvasive option that uses focused sound waves to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue alone. I perform HIFU myself, and for many early-stage patients, it reduces the risk of side effects like incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Many patients go home the same day or day after without the need for additional treatment like prostate removal or radiation.
One last thought for the wives, daughters and family members: keep encouraging the men in your life to schedule their appointments. Many of our patients take that step because a loved one pushed them. That nudge saves lives.
To learn more about your screening options or to request an appointment with our expert team or Urologists at St. Bernards Urology, click here.