By Dr. David Samadi
Prostate cancer is predominantly a concern for men, but its impact extends deeply into the lives of the women who care about them. Understanding prostate cancer and the role of the prostate gland can empower women to support their loved ones – grandfather, father, uncle, brother, husband, or son – through prevention, detection, and treatment.
Here are the top essential things every woman should know about prostate cancer:
Understanding the Prostate Gland: The walnut-sized prostate, located between the bladder and the rectum, is essential for male reproductive function. This gland produces seminal fluid, helping nourish and transport sperm during ejaculation and regulating bladder control and sexual function.
What Prostate Cancer Is: Prostate cancer develops when cells within the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. This abnormal growth can sometimes remain confined within the prostate (localized cancer) or spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer), such as the lymph nodes, bones, or other organs.
Risk Factors: Awareness of risk factors helps in understanding who might be more susceptible to prostate cancer:
- Age: The risk increases significantly after the age of 50.
- Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer (father, brothers, uncles) are at a higher risk.
- Race: A higher incidence of prostate cancer is found among African American men, who are also more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Veterans and Exposure to Agent Orange: Military veterans exposed to certain chemicals like Agent Orange have an elevated risk.
Recognizing Symptoms: While early prostate cancer may not show symptoms, it’s crucial to women to be knowledgeable of recognizing symptoms in their loved one, encouraging them to see their doctor:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Back or hip pain
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
- Difficulty stopping or starting a urine stream
Early Detection: Regular screenings are vital for early detection, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The primary screening tool is the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. If there is a family history or other risk factors, it’s recommended that men discuss starting PSA screening at age 40 or earlier with their healthcare provider. Monitoring PSA levels over time can help detect any abnormal rise indicating further evaluation is needed.
Survival Rates: When prostate cancer is detected early and remains confined to the prostate gland, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. However, if the cancer has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes or bones, the survival rate decreases significantly. This underscores the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
Supporting Prostate Health: Women can play a pivotal role in encouraging their partners, fathers, brothers, and friends to prioritize their prostate health:
- Promote Regular Check-ups: Encourage annual physical exams and accompany them to medical appointments.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage healthy habits in men by encouraging them to quit smoking or never take it up, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reengage in regular exercise, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Emotional Support: If a diagnosis of prostate cancer occurs, be a source of emotional support. Attend medical appointments, take notes, ask questions, and advocate for the best care.
In conclusion
By understanding these aspects of prostate cancer, women can be proactive in promoting prostate health and providing support to their loved ones while weathering the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Women’s involvement in being knowledgeable can make a significant difference in encouraging early detection and improving overall outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.