Men’s health is crucial and one of the most important things to keep in mind is prostate health. An enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can have serious consequences if not detected and treated early, and this becomes particularly apparent in men as they age.
Luckily, there are several key indicators and warning signs to be made aware of when seeking to detect BPH, prostate cancer, or any other prostate issue in a timely manner. While these key indicators and warning signs aren’t conclusory, they are cause for concern and should trigger men to act immediately upon detection.
The following are the most common and relevant warning signs for both BPH and prostate cancer in men, noting that some of the warning signs may have some overlap between the two.
Key Indicators of BPH & Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, affects most men as they age, and is a non-cancerous condition that can cause urinary problems and discomfort.
Some of the warning signs of BPH include difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, urgency or frequent urination, especially at night, inability to fully empty the bladder, and straining to urinate.
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected early, characterized by cells in the prostate growing abnormally and forming a tumor.
Some of the warning signs of prostate cancer include blood in urine or semen, painful ejaculation, difficulty having an erection, pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs, and a lump in the area between the anus and scrotum.
As you can see, the most common indicators and warning signs of both BPH and prostate cancer are often the most reported symptoms experienced by diagnosed patients with said conditions.
If you identify any or all of the above warning signs and are experiencing pain and/or discomfort, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately, for you’ll learn that early detection and treatment is key to the relief from prostate symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early detection and diagnosis of BPH and prostate cancer are crucial for successful treatment, accomplished by regular check-ups and maintaining good prostate health via lifestyle intervention.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE) are two common ways to screen for prostate cancer. If there is a suspicion of prostate cancer, a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
There are several treatment options available for BPH and prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and medications.
A Radical Prostatectomy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) are surgical options for treating BPH, while radiation therapy is an option for treating prostate cancer. Finally, hormonal therapy is used to slow the growth of prostate cancer, while medications can help relieve symptoms and improve urinary flow in patients with BPH.
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of BPH and prostate cancer and to have regular check-ups to maintain good prostate health. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can significantly improve a man’s chances of a successful outcome.
Don’t wait, take control of your prostate health today!
For more information surrounding prostate health, contact our team of doctors, nurses, coaches, and nutritionists at The Clinic at Beverly Hills. Phone 416-630-1712 or 647-352-3233.