During November, we focus on raising awareness about significant issues impacting men’s health. One of the most severe concerns is prostate cancer, which is the second most common cancer among men.
Safeguard Men’s Health: The Movember Movement
The Movember movement started in Australia to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Its name comes from the combination of mustache and November—men who join this movement grow mustaches or beards, and women stand out to support them.
In this article, we discuss the primary risk factors, signs, and symptoms of prostate cancer and its early detection. Being aware of these significantly increases the chances of early detection and successful treatment, offering hope and optimism in the fight against prostate cancer.
What are the warning signs of prostate cancer?
In the early stage, prostate cancer does not show easily detectable symptoms, and only screening tests can reveal the disease, which is a critical factor in effective treatment.
In more advanced stages, signs and symptoms may include:
- Urinating more often than usual or having difficulty starting urination;
- Difficulty emptying the bladder (hesitancy);
- Blood in the urine or semen;
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away after a few days’ rest.
Contact FirsMed’s urologist, Dr. Gábor Kovács, with any complaints you may have.
How do you know that you are at risk?
You should be aware of the risk factors for prostate cancer, as these can significantly increase your chances of developing the disease.
- Age: As men age, the risk of prostate cancer increases. Studies have shown that prostate cancer risk rises sharply after age 55.
- Family history: Those men whose close male blood relative (e.g., parent, sibling, or child) was diagnosed with prostate cancer or whose mothers or sisters were diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer are at increased risk.
- Diet: Eating more red meat and fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly increases the risk of this cancer.
- Obesity: Individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop this disease.
- Ethnicity: Although the reasons for racial and ethnic differences are not clear, researches show that African Americans and other men of African ancestry are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Regular screening is highly recommended if you have any of the risk factors mentioned above.
Is prostate cancer preventable?
You can take steps to prevent prostate cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
- Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and
- Avoiding tobacco products.
Regular screenings are crucial for detecting prostate cancer
How can prostate cancer screening detect the disease?
The prostate cancer screenings at FirstMed are carried out by a lab test to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood. An elevated PSA level indicates a prostate disease: prostate cancer, prostatitis, or benign enlargement.
Besides that, a painless physical examination supplements the blood test.
If the elevated PSA level or the physical examination reveals a malignant disease of the prostate, the doctor may suggest further examination: ultrasound, MR, or a histological examination.
Have prostate cancer detected before symptoms develop or spread, starting as early as age 50.
What are the key methods used to reveal prostate cancer?
Manual examination: An inevitable part of cancer screening is the manual examination of the prostate through the rectum. This may be uncomfortable but not painful, as the doctor performs the examination discreetly and gently.
Laboratory: This modern diagnostic method detects PSA in the blood. The test is reliable and immediately indicates an emerging disease. In the two days before the PSA examination, refrain from intense physical exercises and avoid prostate massage, rectal prostate examination, and sexual activity, as these can influence PSA values.
Ultrasound examination: This provides a highly accurate picture and immediate feedback on the state of the prostate. Ultrasound can screen out prostate cancer with high probability, even if it has not yet produced symptoms. A full bladder is necessary for a proper ultrasound examination. Drink plenty of fluids and refrain from urinating before the screening test.
Conclusion
Regular prostate screening significantly improves the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that all men over the age of 50 have an annual prostate cancer screening.
A men’s health screening at FirstMed Budapest involves a physical examination by our English-speaking doctors and a blood test for PSA level check. This is especially important if you have a family history of prostate cancer. In such cases, a check-up is recommended from the age of 45.
Take charge of your health and schedule a visit if you have any questions or concerns regarding prostate cancer.
