VISITING ANGELS APPLETON, WI 920-944-8000
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September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Prostate Cancer Cliff Notes

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in every nine males will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. Approximately 160,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and about 30,000 men die from the disease. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month designated to raise awareness about prostate health and educate men about preventative measures that can lower their risk for prostate cancer. Here’s what older adults need to know about prostate cancer.

Who’s at risk?
Men older than 50 are most at risk for prostate cancer. African American men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, as well as any male who has prostate cancer in their family history. Obesity also play a role and obese men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have advanced stages, which is more difficult to treat. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America among the male population.

What causes prostate cancer?
While there is no specific cause of prostate cancer, doctors do know that prostate cancer develops when some cells in the prostate become abnormal. According to the Mayo Clinic, as the mutations in the abnormal cells grow and divide, they do so more rapidly than normal cells. This causes normal cells to die while the abnormal cells continue to live. Eventually, the abnormal cells form a tumor and invade nearby tissue.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is difficult to detect in the earlier stages. Microscopic signs of prostate cancer can remain latent for years, meaning the individual does not experience any sign or symptom of the cancer. Typically, unless caught early, symptoms do not appear until the later stages of prostate cancer. Urinary symptoms are the most obvious sign of prostate cancer. These symptoms include difficulty urinating, pain or burning while urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urination, or interrupted flow while urinating. Some men can experience weakness in legs or feet, severe pain in the back, hip or chest, or erectile dysfunction.

When to get screened?
According to the American Cancer Society, men should choose whether or not to be screened for prostate cancer only after having a conversation about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their primary care physician. This conversation should happen at age 40 for men at the highest risk, at age 45 for men at high risk, and at age 50 for men who are at average risk. Doctors generally look at the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but a urologist can run more tests or perform a biopsy to determine if prostate cancer is present. It’s always best to talk with your primary care physician if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.

What are the treatment options?
Prognosis and treatment options depend on the stage of cancer, Gleason score, age, and overall health. Depending on the above, treatment could be as non-invasive as observation. Later staged treatment options could include radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, or a combination of treatment therapies. Because prostate cancer is slow-growing, men who receive a diagnosis have time to consider their treatment options.

What are the survival rates?
Like any cancer, survival rates are high when prostate cancer is detected early. However, many cases aren’t caught until the later stages. According to the American Cancer Society, survival rates for prostate cancer depend on whether the cancer is localized to one area, has spread regionally to nearby lymph nodes or structures, or has spread to other parts of the body, far from the prostate. If the cancer is localized or regional, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops to 31 percent.

What can I do to prevent prostate cancer?
Although prostate cancer can’t be prevented entirely, there are ways to reduce your risk for prostate cancer. Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables can lower your risk. Another way to reduce your risk is to exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week. Finally, losing weight if you’re overweight or obese, and/or maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk for prostate cancer.

If you have recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis or are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, and need support at home, know that Visiting Angels Appleton is here for you. We provide a variety of home care assistance that aims to help older adults maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home. Whether you need assistance with grooming or need help preparing healthy meals, we are just a call away. To learn more about us and how we can walk this journey with you, please contact us today by calling 920-944-8000.

Serving Outagamie County

Visiting Angels APPLETON, WI
17 Park Place #150
Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920-944-8000
Fax: 920-328-0324

Serving Outagamie County

Visiting Angels APPLETON, WI
17 Park Place #150
Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920-944-8000
Fax: 920-328-0324