One in five American men will develop prostate cancer during their life time. If you were someone you loved has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may have some questions.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Nearly 300, 000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that one in five men have a diagnosis of prostate cancer in his life time. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. Abnormal findings during a digital rectal examination or an abnormal prostate specific antigen or PSA blood test usually leads to physician to further testing including transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy of the prostate.
The PSA blood test can lead to early detection of prostate cancer even before there are any symptoms. These accounts for the high number or new cases diagnosed each year. But also has let the controversy regarding therapy for early localized prostate cancer. The reason for the controversy is that prostate cancer generally is slow growing. Some reports showed that 80% of patients live ten years without treatment. The decision is whether patient should undergo treatment which places them at risk for complications or undergo observation and be treated only once symptoms occur knowing is curable if treated at an early stage.
Typical symptoms are difficult starting in the urine stream, waking up frequently at night to urinate and dribbling at the end of urination. These symptoms are also common in older men without prostate cancer. Blood in the urine, urinary urgency and pain upon urination are also common of prostate cancer.
If the prostate cancer has spread usually to the bone, you may have back or hip pain. Be aware of the controversy about PSA screening. A judgment needs to be made after discussion between you and your physician.
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