Here are some important facts you should know about Men’s Health. Stay tuned to HOT 105 for more information all throughout #Movember.
1. Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in men (after skin cancer). About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
a. From American Cancer Society website, Cancer.org – specific pages:
c. Prostate Cancer Key Statistics
2. When prostate cancer is detected early, the 5- year survival rate is close to 100%.
3. If you have any of these symptoms of prostate cancer, see your doctor:
a. Difficulty urinating, more frequent urination
b. Blood in the urine or semen
c. Erectile Dysfunction
4. Are you at risk of getting prostate cancer? Here are factors that can increase your risk:
a. Family History or prostate cancer
b. A strong family history of breast cancer
c. Obesity
d. Race – Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer
e. Age – prostate cancer risk increases as you age
5. Here are some ways to reduce your risk for prostate cancer:
a. Eat a healthy diet, with fresh food, and plenty of fruits & vegetables
b. Maintain a healthy weight
c. Exercise most days of the week
6. To detect prostate cancer, the first step is a manual exam by your Doctor.
a. The next step is a PSA Blood test – to determine the amount of Prostate-Specific Antigen levels in the blood.
b. If you have a PSA level higher than 10, you will likely need further testing.
7. Prostate cancer grows very slowly. If detected early enough, depending on your age, doctors may decide you don’t need treatment. Alternately, they might just recommend observation to monitor if there are any changes.
8. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on whether the cancer is in part or all the prostate, or it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatments may include:
a. Active surveillance, checking regularly for changes
b. Surgery
c. Radiation Therapy
d. Hormone Therapy
Additional treatment options are available for more advanced cases of prostate cancer.
9. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends being on the ‘Right Track’ when faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Have the Right Team of experts who specialize in prostate cancer. Get the Right Tests to get a proper diagnosis, which will determine the Right Treatment for your stage of cancer, your other health issues and your lifestyle.
10. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may want to seek a support group to help you cope. Ask the hospital or cancer center handling your treatment if they can recommend either group or individual therapy.
Cox Media Group