Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer in men, with an estimated 191,930 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2020 alone. While it is the second most common type of cancer in men, it is also highly treatable if detected early.
Early symptoms:
- Urinary frequency and difficulty urinating: feeling the need to urinate frequently, especially at night, may experience difficulty urinating, slow urine flow, or urine splitting during urination.
- Hematuria: urine appears pink or light red, which may be due to damage to the urethra or bladder caused by prostate cancer.
- Urinary tract pain or burning sensation: may experience pain or burning sensation in the urethra during urination, which may be a symptom of prostate cancer.
- Ejaculation issues: may experience pain or discomfort during ejaculation, semen may contain blood or appear abnormal in color.
- Lower back pain: pain in the lower back or pelvic area may occur when bone metastases develop, which is typically a symptom of advanced prostate cancer.
Self-examination methods:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): a doctor examines the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland by inserting a finger into the rectum. This examination is usually performed at a medical facility.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA levels are measured in the blood, with elevated levels possibly indicating the presence of prostate cancer. This test can be performed at hospitals or clinics.
Preventive measures:
Treatment options:
In the United States, there are many renowned medical institutions that provide prostate cancer treatment services, some of which are known for their excellent expertise and advanced treatment technologies. Here are the top five U.S. medical institutions with the highest cure rates for treating prostate cancer:
By understanding the early symptoms of prostate cancer, regularly performing self-examinations and medical check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, the risk of developing prostate cancer can be reduced, and early detection and treatment can be promoted. Different treatment options can be chosen based on the individual’s condition and medical needs.