
Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer that affects men, and it is the leading cause of death by cancer for men. Many cases of prostate cancer are easily treatable if found early. Altru Health System’s oncology and urology specialists are here for you and your family to ensure an optimal outcome with caring and experienced providers.
Altru Cancer Center providers also have access to experts at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving you access to advanced cancer treatments and, in some cases, eliminating the need for you to travel far from home for prostate cancer treatment.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 5 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, most of them over the age of 50. The disease occurs when abnormal cancer cells form in the prostate gland. The prostate is just below the bladder and is involved in semen production.
The biggest risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Other risk factors include:
You may have no signs of prostate cancer, which is why screening is important. Your primary care provider can help determine if you need to be screened for prostate cancer based on your individual circumstances. The most common symptoms of prostate cancer are problems with urination or erectile function.
You may experience:
These symptoms are also associated with benign conditions, which is why it’s important to see a medical provider.
The American Cancer Society recommends men begin a conversation with a healthcare provider about getting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests once they turn 50. Some men, depending on their risk factors and family history, may choose to inquire about screenings earlier. Men with a low PSA level in their blood may opt to continue screenings every two years, while men with a higher but not worrisome level may need annual screenings. A digital rectal exam may also be used.
If a high PSA level is found, further screening will be done. This may involve ultrasound or MRI imaging, followed by a biopsy.
Treatment options for prostate cancer will vary depending on the type of cancer you have and whether it has spread outside the prostate.
Your options may include:
Everyone’s cancer journey is different, and your recovery will depend on your age, the type of cancer you have and the treatment you receive. Whether you have surgery or radiation, you are likely to experience problems with incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Our team at Altru can help you decide what treatment options are best for you at this stage in your life.
The oncology experts at Altru can help you navigate our services for prostate cancer. Call 701.780.5400 to speak with someone on our team.
Getting out and enjoying fall is a great way to stay active while the outdoors transition from one season to the next. The colorful foliage and crisp ...
Continue ReadingThe warm days of summer have arrived, and there’s no better time to be out on the golf course, enjoying the sunshine, swinging your clubs and trying ...
Continue ReadingIf you’ve got arthritis, you may already know that cold weather can make joint pain seem worse. Affecting 1 in 4 American adults, arthritis presents ...
Continue ReadingUpdated on: 12/21/2021 The holiday season brings a lot of opportunities and experiences with busy or large crowds, holiday music, bright lights and ...
Continue ReadingUpdated 2.3.2022 Cancer. A heavy topic, but never more so than when discussed in the doctor’s office. In the United States, 23.3 million people have a ...
Continue ReadingVasectomy is a minor surgery that is a permanent form of birth control for males. The procedure blocks sperm from reaching the semen, preventing ...
Continue ReadingTongue and lip ties are common concerns for parents of infants and toddlers. What is a tongue tie? A tongue tie (medically known as Ankyloglossia) is ...
Continue ReadingNavigating the path to a cancer diagnosis is a challenging journey. It can be a roller coaster of emotions, as well as a period of uncertainty and ...
Continue ReadingPickleball is surging in popularity, and it’s easy to see why it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It’s a fun sport, easy to ...
Continue ReadingDiabetes technology has grown significantly in the last decade, greatly improving diabetes control for those with type 1, type 2 and gestational ...
Continue Reading