After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men—but it can often be treated successfully. Make sure you have all the knowledge necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones from prostate cancer. Keep reading for general information, as well as why prostate cancer exams are so important.
About Prostate Cancer
About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. About one in 41 men will die of prostate cancer, which makes it the second most deadly form of cancer for men behind lung cancer. It’s most commonly diagnosed in men over 65, with 66 being the average age of men at diagnosis.
This year alone, it’s estimated that about 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, resulting in an estimated 34,700 deaths.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, like most types of cancers, prostate cancer cannot be prevented. There are, however, things you can do to lower your risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as preventative measures you can take to get an early diagnosis—one of the most important factors in surviving prostate cancer.
Some studies have suggested that prostate cancer is more common in men who are overweight; staying at a healthy weight could reduce your risk. A good rule of thumb is to keep physically active and eat a healthy diet that doesn’t contain too much red meat, overly processed foods, or artificially sweetened drinks.
Prostate Cancer Exams & Screenings
A cancer “screening” is simply a way to test for cancer before you start experiencing symptoms. Because the earlier you find cancer the better the chances you have of surviving it, prostate cancer screenings are crucial—especially if you’re over 65 and at a higher risk for prostate cancer.
The two main ways that a doctor will test for prostate cancer are:
- Testing for prostate-specific antigen levels in blood;
- And performing a digital rectal exam.
If the results of either test come back abnormal, further testing will need to be done.
Stay On Top of Your Health with RMC
Don’t leave your prostate health to chance—get regular prostate cancer screenings, especially if you’re over 50. Early detection and diagnosis are key! If you’re looking for screenings, cancer care, or general health care, look no further than RMC. Get in touch with us today!