According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in every nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer (behind skin cancer) diagnosed in American men.

Our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center wants you to know the steps you can take to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, as well as how to recognize the early warning signs of prostate cancer so that you can seek medical attention and receive treatment at the earliest stage possible.

What Can Be Done to Decrease Your Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Prevention is the best treatment method for prostate cancer. Therefore, by improving your daily habits, you can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer later in life.

Start by choosing a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables and reduces your amount of fat by choosing leaner cuts of meat and using reduced-fat dairy products.

In addition, you want to maintain a healthy weight and exercise most days of the week. Doing so will not only reduce your chances of prostate cancer, but can also lower risk of other medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

What Are the Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

As with any cancer, early detection is key to getting the treatment you need as soon as possible. Therefore, be sure to watch out for the following early warning signs of prostate cancer, including:

• Blood in semen
• Burning during urination
• Decreased flow or velocity of urine stream
• Difficulty urinating
• Hematuria
• Loss of bladder control
• More frequent urges to urinate at night
• Pain while urinating
• Trouble starting and stopping urinating

What Screenings Are Available for Prostate Cancer?

There are two main tests usually utilized to screen for prostate cancer. A DRE test (also known as a digital rectal examination) is when a physician uses a gloved finger to feel for any irregularities on the surface of the prostate.

A PSA test (also known as a prostate-specific antigen) is a blood test used to help detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends talking to your physician to see if undergoing a PSA blood test is right for you.

Do you think you might be exhibiting signs of prostate cancer? Schedule an appointment with our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center today. We are here to help!