Prostate cancer is one of the most confusing, scary, and misunderstood topics. Most men do not want to discuss this health problem; hence, they get misguided about it. This blog enlightens the most common myths of prostate cancer and brings scientifically supported facts that will assist men in making decisions regarding their health.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate gland’s primary role is adding seminal fluid to feed and transport sperm. Prostate cancer develops when cells inside the gland start to grow out of control and could potentially spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Are All Prostate Lumps Cancerous?
Not all prostate abnormalities are cancer. Many men have abnormal prostate conditions during their lifetime that do not involve cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is another form of non-cancerous prostate condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate but not cancerous. However, do not disregard any signs and symptoms.
Who is at the highest risk for prostate cancer?
Some are beyond a man’s control, while others can be reversed with lifestyle. The significant risk factors include;
Age: There is a marked rise in prostate cancer risk among men after reaching the age of 50. Prostate cancer occurs primarily in men over 65 years of age. The risk of a man getting prostate cancer also increases very rapidly with age, so screenings should be very regular after one crosses the age of 65.
Family History: A man, if his father or brother is confirmed to have prostate cancer, is two times more likely to be a disease victim. The genetic constitution may also contribute to a male’s risk of suffering; this is because he’s expected to share genetic contributions with many family members and relatives who have been proven to be a prostate victim.
Other significant risk factors are,
- Race (Black race with a higher probability of this disease)
- Obesity
- Bad lifestyle
- Bad nutrition
- Smoking
It saves lives by distinguishing between myth and fact. So, let’s try to differentiate between some of the most consistent myths:
Myth: Prostate Cancer is an Old Man’s Disease
Actually, prostate cancer is one such usual disease in older men, yet this does not mean it can’t hit any guy. Even young men can acquire prostate cancer at the age of 30 to 40, though this doesn’t happen often. In any case, early detection always comes in handy regardless of age.
Myth: Prostate Cancer Only Comes With Symptoms
This is perhaps not a good idea. Prostate cancer often develops with no apparent symptoms at its early stages. Most men feel perfectly healthy as the cancer quietly grows. Pre-symptomatic cancer detection through regular screenings means that it can be treated with much higher success rates.
Myth: A High PSA Test Always Means Cancer
The PSA test needs to be clarified. A high PSA does not mean that a man has cancer. A host of conditions may cause an elevation in the PSA, such as:
- Prostate inflammation
- Infection
- Recent sexual activity
- Certain medications
Prostate Cancer Treatment Might Cause Erectile Dysfunction and Even Incontinence.
Modern medical technology has significantly enhanced the results. Though some interventions may affect sexual function and continence, most men will have few long-term effects. Surgical techniques are much more advanced than they used to be, and many patients enjoy quality-of-life savings.
How Can Men Protect Themselves?
In simple terms, it is by prevention and early diagnosis. Here are some practical steps every man should consider:
Annual medical check-ups: If you have other risk factors, you should be screened yearly, starting at age 50 or earlier. This would often include a digital rectal exam and a PSA test.
Healthy Lifestyle: A diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will be helpful in minimizing the risk of cancer. Other factors that hold the highest promise to lower prostate cancer risks include physical exercise, a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
Well-Informed Information about Prostate Cancer Which May Save Men
Indeed, prostate cancer is a health threat to all men in the world. Knowing this condition might be the first step toward prevention and detection in the early stages. Let’s learn these crucial facts that every man should know concerning prostate cancer.
What exactly is prostate cancer?
This is a small gland located just below the bladder, but only in males. At times, the cells of this gland become very active, and thus, this condition has been termed prostate cancer. In the same sense, prostate cancer can be compared to an unattended garden with plants growing all over and in unassigned areas.
Who’s most at risk?
Some men are at greater risk than others for prostate cancer. One risk determinant is age; more risk is associated with ages above 50. A man whose father or brother had prostate cancer is at higher risk. African American men have a greater risk for this cancer than men from other races.
How Does Diet Play a Protective Role?
It is what you eat. The higher you get in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, the more safety your prostate is assured to receive. They can even lessen the chances of cancer: tomato sauces contain something called lycopene, which is a compound. Fish also provides a good amount of fatty acids known as omega-3s: salmon. Try to limit the intake of red meat and dairy with fat.
Importance of Check-ups
Many men fear seeing a doctor, but check-ups can be lifesavers. They perform a blood test called PSA—Prostate-Specific Antigen—which may determine some early signs of potential problems. It’s just like routine automobile maintenance: catch these problems early so they don’t worsen later.
Lifestyle Counts More Than You Imagine
Throughout your years, the habit you build could improve prostate health. When one becomes regular in exercise, one finds that one is in a condition that reduces one’s prospects for cancer. To achieve that, one can be more proficient at the gym as an expert, taking as simple as strolling 30 minutes of one’s daily routine. Manage your stress. Intense life events can lead to a debilitative impact on both your general health and your prostate.
Prostate cancer in some men might manifest with the following symptoms: weak flow, unable to urinate, or even bleeding in the urine. However, for early-stage prostate cancers, no symptoms appear. This is why screening is essential. Do not wait for such signs to appear before visiting the doctor.
There is no way of knowing prostate cancer but the occurrence of the disease can be minimized. Diets, avoiding obesity and physical activity also keeps people with a healthy weight. Besides, there is the possibility to have good outcomes after certain check-ups.
Remember, knowledge is power. First things first in safety and protection: education.
Learn about prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor; ask questions and be proactive in health care. Your future self will thank you for the care that you give today.
What are your options?
This doesn’t mean that there is just one way to treat prostate cancer. Doctors may recommend any or a combination of the following depending on how much the cancer has progressed and how fast it grows.
- Active surveillance
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies
Mental Health
A prostate cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming for one’s mind. Consider the following:
- Reach out to family and friends
- Look into joining support groups
- Talk to a counselor or therapist
- Keep communicating with your healthcare team
A Positive Thought:
Knowledge is strength when it comes to prostate cancer. Knowing the facts and dispelling myths while taking proactive measures makes all the difference in terms of whether a prostate cancer diagnosis leads to early detection and treatment.
Remember, your health is in your hands. Learn, stay alert, and never let fear or misconception halt you from caring for yourself.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, one needs to know prostate cancer myths and facts to make the right decision and proper management. Most common myths that make men at risk of all cases of prostate cancer may end fatally induce unnecessary fear and confusion. However, prostate cancer is not age-specific, and the disease is seen in various age groups of men; early detection with appropriate treatment makes a favorable prognosis.
Preservation of sexual function and bladder control may also be achieved after treatment through advances in surgical techniques. Men should discuss their specific risk factors, screening options, and treatment choices. Openly with their healthcare providers
Myth-busting and letting a man know the evidence-based facts empowers him to take proactive steps in his health journey, thus improving prostate cancer outcomes. This is how awareness and education play a part in fighting against this disease so that men get proper care while beating the stigma around it.
REFERENCES:
https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/prostate_cancer_replacing_myths_with_facts
https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-myths-facts
https://www.pcf.org/blog/five-myths-misconceptions-prostate-cancer/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/quiz/000380_21.htm?quiz=1
https://ainuindia.org/myths-and-facts-about-prostate-cancer/
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/facts-about-prostate-cancer
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-byte/men-s-health/prostate-cancer-myth-busting
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths