Know Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Take Early Action
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Prostate cancer continues to be one of the most common and serious health issues for men, often developing insidiously until reaching an advanced stage of disease. Many men ignore early warning signs, or they have delayed routine check-ups, which can reduce the options for treatment. Being aware of signs in prostate cancer and responding quickly is the best way to improve the outcome and quality of life. Early awareness, paired with timely medical consultation, can make a significant difference in how effectively the disease is managed. With digital tool such as Cellmaflex, being proactive about your health is easier than ever. You can schedule appointments online, without a phone call, find nearby urologists, pharmacies, labs or imaging centres, and access your medical records anytime and anywhere. This seamless access ensures that you can take action as soon as you notice something unusual about your changes or symptoms. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about prostate cancer including its definition, prostate cancer symptoms, risk factors, screening and prevention strategies, and how Cellmaflex helps in timely, convenient care and ultimately improving health outcomes. What Is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate’s main job is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm (not to be confused with semen which is the of seminal fluid and sperm). Prostate cancer usually progresses slowly, remaining in the prostate gland with little to no threat to the patient’s health. Some types of prostate cancer can spread quickly to adjacent tissues, lymph nodes, or bones in patients who are asymptomatic and present late with advanced prostate cancer. Globally, Prostate Cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) via World Health Organisation, there were an estimated 1 .5 million new cases of prostate cancer worldwide in 2022. In the same year, prostate cancer resulted in about 397,430 deaths worldwide. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in 118 countries, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) using IARC data. Caribbean Region: Prostate Cancer Statistics Country / Territory ASR Incidence (per 100,000 men) Barbados ~ 160.4 cases/100,000 men (historical) Jamaica ~ 78.1 cases/100,000 men for 2003-07 Guadeloupe (French Caribbean) ~ 168–184 cases/100,000 men (data 2008-13) Guyana ASR ~ 71.8 cases/100,000 men Haiti Incidence ASR ~ 38.1 cases/100,000 men (older estimate) Trinidad and Tobago Incidence among highest globally; age-standardised referenced ~ 123.9 (historical) These numbers underline the importance of early detection, and platforms like Cellmaflex make it easier for men to connect with healthcare professionals and book screening as soon as they notice concerning prostate cancer symptoms. Prostate Cancer Symptoms In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may not be overt signs. This silence delays the diagnosis of the cancer. But as the disease progresses, men will start to experience the symptoms of prostate cancer that will affect urinary and reproductive function. Some common prostate cancer symptoms include: Difficulty with starting or maintaining urination Weak or interrupted urine stream Increased frequency of urination, especially at night Blood in urine or semen Pain with urination or ejaculation Discomfort or pressure in your lower pelvis Bone pain, especially in the hips, spine, or ribs (common with advanced disease) Recognising these early signs of prostate cancer which may be caused by other conditions too, and then seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is very important for improving disease outcomes. Cellmaflex allows you to easily find a urologist near you and book your appointment online the moment you encounter any of these potential signs. Risk Factors Any man can get prostate cancer, but there are certain risk factors that may increase it: Age: Most men diagnosed are age 50 or older. Family History: If you have a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer, your risk doubles. Race: Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and it is typically diagnosed at a younger age. Genetics: Certain inherited mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase risk. Diet and Lifestyle: Diets high in fat, obesity and lack of exercise are associated with higher rates of incidence. Knowing the risks can help you with preventive care. Cellmaflex can assist with scheduling check-ups, finding places to be screened, reviewing historic medical reports to compare PSA levels and imaging results over time all on one platform. How doctors diagnose this condition Early detection can be life-saving. Prostate cancer identified before it spreads is far more treatable, with a five-year survival rate nearing 100%. For men aged 50 and above, or 45 if there’s a family history or other risk factors, routine screening is essential. Screening tests can determine if you have indications of prostate cancer that would require further testing: Digital rectal examination: Your provider will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and palpate your prostate gland. Bumps or hardened areas may indicate cancer. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test: The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA). High PSA levels can suggest cancer. PSA levels also increase with benign (not dangerous) conditions such as prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. Imaging: An MRI or a transrectal ultrasound can generate images of your prostate gland showing suspicious areas of possible cancer. Imaging results help your provider delineate if a biopsy should be performed. Biopsy: A healthcare provider performs a needle biopsy to remove a tissue sample to evaluate if cancer is present. This is the only way to confirm cancer of the prostate and understand the true nature of it. Additionally, genetic testing of the biopsy sample may help plan treatment. Cellmaflex helps every step of the way by allowing patients to book their lab tests, find imaging centres, and receive digital copies of their results. The entire process is a more seamless and quicker way to get a diagnosis. Prevention and Lifestyle Tips While there is no guarantee that you will prevent prostate cancer from occurring, there is no shortage of research that shows your risk will be reduced, and long-term health will be enhanced if you live a healthy lifestyle. Prostate cancer takes years to develop, creating a window of opportunity for simple, preventive lifestyle changes promoting immunity, hormonal balance, and reduction of chronic inflammatory factors in your tissue that promote cancer growth. Here are some clinically backed ways to protect your prostate and overall well-being: Eat a Balanced and Nutrient-Rich Diet A diet full of