By: Dr. Scott Maanum, Primary Care Physician
Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Scott Maanum, a Primary Care Physician with CHI St. Joseph’s Health Primary Care Clinic. I want to have a very important conversation about prostate cancer awareness – a topic that’s crucial for men’s health, and one I discuss with my patients regularly.
First, let’s understand what the prostate is. It’s a small gland, part of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder. It plays a role in producing seminal fluid. Like any part of our bodies, it can be susceptible to various conditions, including cancer.
Now, let’s talk about prostate cancer specifically. It’s truly one of the most common cancers among men, after skin cancer. The good news? When caught early, prostate cancer is often very treatable. And that’s where awareness comes in.
You might be wondering, “What are the symptoms?” Often, in its early stages, prostate cancer doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why regular conversations with your doctor are so important. However, as it progresses, some men might experience things like:
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the hips, back, or chest
- Erectile dysfunction
If you experience any of these, please don’t panic, but DO reach out to your doctor. Many of these symptoms can be due to other, less serious prostate conditions, but it’s always best to get them checked out.
So, what can you do? The most powerful tool we have for early detection is discussion and screening.
Know your risk factors: Age is the biggest risk factor – the older you are, the higher your risk. Family history also plays a significant role. If your father or brother had prostate cancer, especially at a younger age, your risk increases.
Talk to your doctor: Starting around age 50, or even earlier if you have higher risk factors, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your primary care provider about prostate cancer screening. This typically involves a simple blood test called the PSA test, and sometimes a digital rectal exam (DRE).
It’s important to remember that screening is a conversation. It’s about discussing the pros and cons, and deciding together what’s right for your individual health journey. We want to find cancers that need treatment, while avoiding unnecessary anxiety or procedures for those that don’t.
One very important point I want to add regarding screening is the upper age limit. Based upon current guidelines, PSA-based prostate cancer screening is generally not recommended for men 70 years and older. This is a crucial detail to discuss with your doctor when considering screening options.
My key message today is this: Don’t wait until you have symptoms. Be proactive about your health. Have that open conversation with me, or your primary care physician, about your prostate health. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and ensure you receive the best care possible. Early detection truly can make all the difference.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about prostate cancer awareness. Take care of yourselves, and remember, your health is a partnership. We’re in this together.