Consumer Guide to Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Exam
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Ongoing Care
Exams and Screening for Prostate Cancer
Although some experts recommend screening for prostate cancer (looking for the disease when there are no symptoms), some doctors are not sure if prostate cancer should be found and treated early. While one would think it would be best to find and treat the prostate cancer in the early stages, the treatments for prostate cancer can cause other significant problems. The two concerning side effects of prostate cancer treatment are impotence (inability to achieve an erection) and incontinence (loss of ability to control urine).
If a man chooses to be screened and prostate cancer is diagnosed, a man will still have to make the decision for treatment. Some men may choose medical treatment and some may choose a watch and wait period. If prostate cancer is detected at an early stage, watchful waiting may be an appropriate option for some men.
When to See a Doctor
A man should see his doctor if he experiences any difficulties with urination. While urination problems are not always due to prostate cancer, they may be a sign of other prostate related conditions or a urinary tract infection. If a man has an enlarged prostate, it is not always due to cancer, but it can cause urinary problems or sexual dysfunction.
A man should see his doctor if any of these symptoms last longer than 24 hours; a burning sensation while urinating, difficulty starting or controlling urination, painful ejaculation, or pain in the lower back just below the ribs that is not due to an injury or physical exertion. An appointment should also be made with the doctor if there is continued unexplained weight loss.
A doctor should be seen immediately if a man is completely unable to urinate, experiences painful urination with a fever higher than 100 degrees and chills or body aches, or has blood or any unusual discharge in the urine.