Gentlemen Start Your Engines
September is not all about the ladies; it is also Prostate Cancer awareness month. In light of that this week we will not only be highlighting the causes and statistics of this increasingly common cancer amongst men but also dispelling some of the myths and misconceptions that have become a stigma of this disease.
Like ovarian cancer in women, sometimes the signs are absent or they are chalked up to something else going on in your body. Early detection is possible by being aware of the symptoms and staying in tune with your body. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, some symptoms to watch out for are:
- The need to frequently urinate, especially at night.
- Difficulty starting or holding back urine.
- A weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Painful or a burning sensation when urinating.
- Difficulty having an erection.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Blood in your urine or semen.
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.
Although these are not ALWAYS `tell-tale` signs of prostate cancer, they are early warning signs and can also be indicative of other things transpiring in your body. Whether they are a result of prostate cancer or not, if you`re experiencing ANY of the indicators listed above they are reasons to see your doctor. In the medical community there is no unanimous opinion regarding the benefits of prostate cancer screening. Those who advocate regular screening believe that finding and treating prostate cancer early offers men more treatment options with potentially fewer side effects. Deciding when you should be screened is a personal decision between you and your health care professional. To learn more, get involved or donate towards research please visit:www.pcf.org
