Do you know that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men next to skin cancer? Do you know that the prostate is a vital part of a man’s reproductive system? Do you know men can have both benign and cancerous growths in the prostate gland? Most importantly, do you know the five warning signs of prostate cancer? Every man should know when to take action.
Different Signs + Different Men = Difficult To Diagnose
Symptoms of prostate cancer can be different for each man, and any of the symptoms can be due to other less serious conditions. This makes diagnosing prostate cancer more difficult for doctors, so screenings are necessary.
This walnut sized gland is needed for sperm to travel to its destination, so it’s pretty important. It gets larger over time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a man has cancer.
If you have some of the warning signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, while at the same time you can be diagnosed with prostate cancer without any of the signs. This is confusing and frustrating for both doctors and patients.
There are few, if any, early signs but there are certain signals that indicate something is wrong.
Some Early Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Some potential early signs of prostate cancer include the following:
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Sudden erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Bone pain (from spread)
- Frequent urination, especially at night
In addition, there can be weak and interrupted urine flow, unusual pain around the prostate when sitting, swelling in the lower back, feet, and legs, abnormal bowel function or urinary habits, and weight loss.
Each additional symptom you have could indicate a problem, so do not delay in scheduling a screening appointment with Dr. Miguel Mercado in The Woodlands, TX.
When To See Dr. Miguel Mercado
Note your symptoms and take action. If you are between the ages of 59 and 69, are African American, and/or have a family history of prostate cancer, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Typically, a screening test for prostate cancer will be performed, which includes digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA test.
If you have one or more of the five warning signs of prostate cancer, contact Dr. Miguel Mercado at (281) 351-5174 for an evaluation.