Prostate Cancer: What You Should Know

Prostate cancer is common among males in the United States, with about one in eight diagnosed in their lifetime. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer death for males. Here’s what you need to know to look out for, assess your risk, and learn how it’s diagnosed and what treatment options are available at Summa Health.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble those of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with:

• Dull pain in the lower pelvic area

• Frequent urinating

• Trouble urinating, pain, burning or weak urine flow

Risk Factors

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

• Loss of appetite and weight

For prostate cancer, risk factors include:

• Age (approximately 6 out of 10 cases are found in males older than 65)

• Family history

• Obesity

Screening for Prostate Cancer

• Race (more likely to develop in non-Hispanic African American males)

• Smoking

Beginning at age 55, discuss with your provider the potential risks and benefits of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. If you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, you should begin discussions with your physician at age 40. Higher risk factors include:

• First-degree family history (father, son or brother) was diagnosed

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

• Of African American heritage

• Experiencing symptoms

If a biopsy is needed for diagnosis, you will be in good hands at Summa Health.

Dr. Joseph Dankoff performs prostate biopsies using the PrecisionPoint™

Treatment Overview

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options to help make the decision that best fits your needs. Depending on your case, treatment options may include:

Active Surveillance

• Your condition is closely followed without treatment unless there are changes in test results. It is used to find early signs that the condition is getting worse.

Surgery

• If you’re in good health – and your tumor is in the prostate gland only – you may have a minimally invasive procedure to remove the tumor.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Joseph Dankoff, M.D.

Transperineal Access System in Medina. Prostate biopsies performed this way eliminate the risk of infection and complications associated with a transrectal biopsy. Another equally important benefit of the transperineal approach is that the system can access hard-to-reach areas of the prostate, including the anterior portion, during a biopsy.

For more information about urologic services offered at Summa Health, including prostate screening, go to summahealth.org/urology