How Can Men Safeguard Themselves Against Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells proliferate in the prostate gland, which is an anatomical structure found in men. Prostate cancer has good survivability when it is diagnosed and treated early. These are four things men can do to safeguard themselves against prostate cancer:
1. Be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Paying careful attention to your body and the changes it experiences can help you detect health problems, such as prostate cancer, as soon as possible. Men should be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer so they can alert their doctors at the first signs of trouble. Prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction and difficulty urinating. Men with prostate cancer may also notice blood in their semen or urine. If you've noticed any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible.
2. Get tested regularly after the age of 50.
Prostate cancer screening can help doctors diagnose prostate cancer before symptoms occur. The American Cancer Society writes that men should be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50. However, your individual circumstances may differ. People at high risk for prostate cancer should begin getting regular screenings at age 45 or 40, depending on their situation. Prostate cancer testing can be done using blood tests, manual exams, and urine tests. Your doctor will choose the type of screening that is best for you.
3. Make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of many cancers, including prostate cancer. If you're at risk of prostate cancer, you can make lifestyle changes to try to prevent it. Eating a healthy diet may lower your risk of prostate cancer naturally. Focusing on whole foods, fruits, and vegetables is an excellent way to begin cleaning up your diet. Regular ejaculation and moderate exercise may also lower the risk of prostate cancer in men. Your general practitioner or urologist can also provide tips for maintaining your prostate health.
4. Seek prompt treatment for cancer diagnoses.
Finally, you can protect your health by following prostate cancer diagnoses with prompt treatment. Biopsies can be used to confirm suspected diagnoses and treat early-stage prostate cancer. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment used to remove cancer from the body. In cases where cancer has spread beyond the prostate, doctors may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Contact your doctor for more information about prostate cancer.
