 Prostate Cancer Awareness
Hollanf Hospital and other health organizations across the country promote prostate cancer awareness to encourage screening for
early detection and educate about treatment options.
Here are some facts:
- More Michigan men have been diagnosed with prostate
cancer than any other type of cancer over the past 20 years.
- Nationally, it affects one in six men in their lifetime with higher
incidence among African-American men and those with a
family history of prostate cancer.
- The good news is that early detection improves outcomes and
over 1.8 million men in the U.S. are prostate cancer survivors.
Screening Procedures
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages so screening is essential.
Screening is recommended for men beginning at age 50 or younger (age 40) if risk factors are present. The prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system, is located below the bladder. Two procedures are typically used to detect prostate cancer: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test which measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An elevated PSA level or changes from year to year may indicate cancer or other conditions. Experts recommend both tests for effective screening.
Talk with Your Doctor
Be pro-active about screening for prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, prevention and early detection. When a referral is needed, the board-certified Urologists at Holland Hospital provide expert care and treatment for a wide range of urological concerns.
Treatment Options
Prostate discomfort may indicate a non-cancerous condition such as an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia or BPH) which men often experience as they grow older. If prostate cancer is diagnosed, treatment may include a surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland called a prostatectomy.
Holland Hospital Urology Services offers traditional surgery, as well as the advanced daVinci Robotic-Assisted prostatectomy. Using the daVinci system, surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery through tiny laparoscopic openings in the body resulting in less pain and shorter recovery. To watch videos on prostate cancer and other topics, visit our video library.
Improving the Odds
1. Get screened annually beginning at age 50 (age 40 if high risk).
2. Encourage family members to get screened. (Women can play an influential role in
encouraging men in their lives to get screened.)
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Increase activity and exercise.
5. Lowering stress may also play a positive role in lessening the chance of prostate cancer.
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