How to Spot Prostate Cancer Warning Signs

Prostate cancer warning signs are a must-know category for any male in North America. Prostate cancer is the single most common cancer for males in North America over fifty years of age. However, as several celebrity cancer patients have made known, it can affect men of a much younger age.

Fortunately, there are ways to detect prostate cancer early, and prostate cancer treatments are particularly effective compared to other forms of cancer. That is why it is particularly important to spot the warning signs for the disease as early as possible.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. GET A PSA TEST EVERY YEAR BY YOUR DOCTOR.
   
   Prostate specific antigen tests (PSA tests) are the most common way to help spot early warning signs of prostate cancer. PSA tests measure a protein that is present in the blood of all adult males. The higher the level of this protein present, the higher the risk of prostate cancer. It could mean benign prostate enlargement or urinary tract infection. However, getting this simple blood test performed with a yearly physical is one of the best ways to find Prostate cancer early.

2. WATCH FOR CHANGES IN URINATION TO DETECT PROSTATE CANCER.
   
   These changes in urination patterns should be discussed with your doctor in case of prostate cancer:
   
   - Frequent urination (even if only at night)
   - Painful urination
   - Increased dribbling
   - Difficulty starting urination
   - Bleeding in the urine

3. WATCH OUT FOR OTHER SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THE PROSTATE
   
   - Painful ejaculation
   - Difficulty in achieving erection
   - Pain that remains consistent in lower back, thighs, or hip area
   
   While any one of these symptoms could be associated with aging or other benign conditions they could be the best sign you have of early stages of prostate cancer. If you have even a sneaking suspicion, schedule a consultation with your doctor.

4. DON'T HIDE PROSTATE SYMPTOMS FROM YOUR SPOUSE OR LOVED ONE
   
   Many men quietly hide the warning signs of prostate cancer and have to suffer through more radical prostate cancer treatments as a result of advanced stages. Don't wait or hide your symptoms. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, let someone you love know. They would like to keep you around, and as much of you as possible for as long as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that any of these symptoms could be benign. Even if they aren't, there is no need to panic. Prostate cancer has a higher cure rate than other cancers.
• Don't wait to check! The possibility of non-invasive treatment goes down the longer you wait to get prostate cancer treatment.

Resources

• The Saturday Morning Post: All Things Helpful

[dorigillman]

on 5/1/2009 this is so true about prostate cancer.

[twincapes]

on 5/1/2009 Good tips on warning signs for prostate cancer, thanks.

[athome]

on 5/1/2009 There is no excuse for men not to get checked for prostate cancer and know the warning signs.