more distant areas in the body, including other organs and the bones.
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5 Warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Five symptoms of prostate cancer include the following:
- Urinary issues – an urgency to urinate, particularly at night, or a weak, interrupted stream of urine
- Erectile dysfunction – an inability to get or maintain an erection regularly for sexual intercourse
- Groin or pelvic discomfort – if enlarged, the prostate can cause discomfort due to its location, particularly while sitting; improper functioning and swelling of the lymph nodes can also contribute to soreness
- Bowel changes – including constipation, flatulence, and watery bowel movements; bowel urgency also leads to fecal incontinence
- Weight loss – unexplained weight loss may be a result of less eating (due to mouth sores that men with prostate cancer tend to develop) or a side effect
Is prostate cancer curable?
Most prostate cancers, especially with early diagnosis, can be curable.
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Metastatic prostate cancer, which is Stage 4 – having spread to other parts of the body, is not curable, but can be treated for a significant amount of time.
Prostate cancer treatment
Depending on the severity of the cancer, treatment options that doctors recommend may vary. Treatment options include:
- Radiation therapy (external or internal) – killing cancer with high-energy rays – similar to X-rays
- Surgery (prostatectomy) – the removal of the prostate
There are other options that are still being researched and investigated, including biological therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and high-intensity ultrasounds.
Alternative and complementary medicine are still being investigated and health practices that some consider. These include implementing herbs, meditation, supplements, vitamins, and yoga into your regular routine.
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How to prevent prostate cancer
Unfortunately, there is not a guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are ways to lower your chances and risks. Healthy lifestyle changes, which can help lower risks by 40%, include:
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
- Adding fruit and vegetables to your diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active
- Wearing sunscreen
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It’s also just as important to make sure you go to your regular checkups and preventive screenings, which are recommended for men between the ages of 55 and 69.
