As breast cancer is common in women 45+ years of age, so is prostate cancer in men 60+ years of age. Prostate cancer – a disease that affects only men – affects the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system.
But the good news is that it is preventable and treatable when detected early before irreversible damage has been done to the prostate.
Men need to be diligent about detection because aside from the fact that it affects their sexuality, it can also cause early death. Early detection can be challenging because many men are not likely to see their doctor unless there’s an emergency.
Experts say the following factors may increase your risk of getting prostate cancer and advise that if four of these eight factors apply to you, then you must see a doctor to erase all doubts.
Being Black/African-American - Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer diagnosis and death in the world
Family history – A man is twice as likely to get the disease if he has one first-degree relative — father, brother, son — with a history of it.
Being over 50 – In men between 40-49, the risk of developing prostate cancer is one in 50; from 60-79, it’s one in seven.
Being overweight - Being overweight or obese is a prostate cancer risk, and researchers found that men who put on extra weight in their 20s and 30s face a higher risk.
Eating fatty foods - Dietary fat may not only help cause prostate cancer, but it may also affect the way it progresses — how fast cancer cells proliferate, their ability to spread and the body’s ability to fight off this invasion.
Smoking – Research doesn’t yet show that smoking causes prostate cancer, but it has proven that a nicotine habit can help it grow faster and more aggressively.
Urinary troubles – If you get up frequently in the middle of the night to urinate, you could have problems with your prostate.
Painful bowel movement – Because the prostate lives on the other side of the rectal wall, prostate enlargement or cancer can often cause pain during a bowel movement.
Bottom Line: Prostate cancer screening should start at age 40; so if you’re approaching 40 or are over 40, call today to schedule your appointment.