September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Here are ten facts you may not know about prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment:
- The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
- A digital rectal exam is one of the common ways to screen for prostate cancer. During the exam, your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. This is a way to feel the prostate through the rectal wall. The prostate is checked for hard or lumpy areas.
- Another part of screening for prostate cancer is a blood test for prostate-specific antigens (PSA test). The blood is tested for its level of PSA. The prostate makes PSA. PSA can be elevated due to reasons other than cancer.These include benign hypertrophy (enlarged prostate), infection or inflammation.
- According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 220,800 men diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
- Additionally, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime.
- But, there’s good news! According to ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer, “99% of men survive prostate cancer when it is caught early.”
- A common treatment for prostate cancer is hormone therapy. During hormone therapy, medications or surgery prevent the body from producing the male hormone testosterone.
- Due to the lack of testosterone during hormone therapy, some men may experience sexual side effects, but there are many ways to manage these side effects
- Eating a well-balanced diet before, during, and after cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength, and speed recovery for prostate cancer survivors.
- The prostate cancer awareness color is light blue.
