6 Reasons to Watch for the First Signs of Prostate Cancer

Making an appointment to see a doctor when you’re feeling fine might seem like a strange thing to do. But when it comes to prostate cancer, early detection is vital in helping to achieve a positive outcome.

Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take a minute to talk about the first signs of prostate cancer and six reasons you should consider getting a prostate screening.

You have a baseline PSA

A baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures PSA levels when the risk of prostate cancer is low, usually in a man’s 40s. The purpose of the baseline PSA test is to compare future results and help determine the risk of prostate cancer death. Men who are not considered high risk should get a baseline PSA between the ages of 40 and 45 during a visit with their physician. Even without symptoms, being aware of the first signs of prostate cancer and having a reference point with a PSA test can be lifesaving.

Cancer runs in your family

If your family has a history of cancer, especially prostate cancer, your chances of developing prostate cancer are higher. If you have a father or brother who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk for the disease increases dramatically. If you do have a history of cancer in your family, you should consider having a prostate screening once you hit your 40s..

You’re over 50

As we age, the risk of developing prostate cancer rises significantly. Even if you’re in generally good health and have no family history of prostate cancer, when you reach the age of 50, it’s time to be proactive about your prostate – especially if you’re African American.

You have pain in your pelvis or bones

Pain around the prostate gland or in the pelvis is one of the first signs of prostate cancer and reason enough to schedule an appointment immediately. In its early stages, prostate cancer may show few symptoms. As it progresses, bone pain can grow slowly over time near the hips, lower back, pelvis and upper thighs. This type of pain and discomfort should never be ignored.

You’re having trouble urinating

Getting up in the middle of the night to urinate or going more often during the day can be more than just an inconvenience – it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate. Signs of an enlarged prostate can also include difficulty starting urination, a weak urinary stream, urgent feelings to urinate and feeling that you still have to urinate after you’re finished. While an enlarged prostate isn’t always a sign of cancer, it’s important to see a doctor and find the cause of the problem. These issues may overlap with the first signs of prostate cancer and only a screening can determine the cause.

You have a high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle

For most of us, there is always room for improvement when it comes to diet and exercise. But men who are approaching their 50s and still indulge in a high-fat diet are at a higher risk of developing the disease. As for exercise, it’s naturally one of the best antioxidants and helps to fight obesity, which could play a role in prostate cancer.

Some of the risk factors above can be addressed with changes like improving your diet and exercise habits. Others we simply have to accept. But in both cases, the importance of recognizing the first signs of prostate cancer and having a prostate cancer screening should never be ignored. Visit our Urology service line page to find out more about screenings or to schedule an appointment.