Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in tissues found in the prostate. Each year, approximately one in every five men will be diagnosed.
The condition is known to cause painful urination, sudden urges to urinate, blood in the semen or urine, and many other symptoms. While the Affiliated Urologists team has a number of state-of-the-art technologies and procedures to treat prostate cancer, they are most effective if it is detected early. We believe that the best way to do this is through cancer screenings.
How often men should be screened for prostate cancer depends on how at risk they are. Men with a family history of prostate cancer may be more likely to develop the condition. According to the American Cancer Society, if the man’s father or brother gets prostate cancer, the man is twice as likely to contract the condition as well. That risk increases if multiple family members have prostate cancer. A number of lifestyle choices could also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. For example, obese men are more likely to be diagnosed, and some studies found that excessive weight could be linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
The number one risk factor for men is age. The physicians at Affiliated Urologists typically see patients over the age of 50 for prostate cancer treatment. Because of this, we recommend thinking about cancer screenings around this age. However, if patients have a strong family history of prostate cancer or have an increased risk, we recommend having a prostate cancer screening a few years earlier.
Having a cancer screening does not necessarily mean that you or your physician believe cancer will be found. In fact, screenings are performed on healthy patients on a regular basis. That way, if a prostate cancer diagnosis does happen, patients can detect it early. The key to treating the disease is catching it when it is localized and has not spread outside the prostate.
If a prostate cancer screening leads to a diagnosis, Affiliated Urologists is here to help! We have a team of experienced physicians ready to help at any of our three Valley locations. We offer a number of minimally invasive surgeries including robotic surgery and prostatectomies, as well as specialized therapies to tackle the condition. Our team wants patients to know that we are there for them every step of the way. We will utilize our variety of prostate cancer treatment options to find the one that works to eliminate the cancer cells while ensuring the safety and comfort of our patients.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer screening or the treatment options available to you, please do not hesitate to call. At Affiliated Urologists, we are prostate cancer experts and would be happy to answer your questions or concerns.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
