Know the Facts about Prostate Cancer

In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we want you to know the facts about prostate cancer. Most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 65, prostate cancer grows slowly over time and can take years to become large enough to cause an issue. As with other cancers, treatment is most successful when detected early. While the exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing it.

• Eat a diet rich in low-fat, high-fiber foods and foods with omega-3 fatty acids
• Be physically active
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Just like there are steps you can take to lower your risk, there are some things that increase your chances of getting prostate cancer. These include:

• Age – being older than 50 is one of the main risk factors
• Family history – if other men in your family have had it, you are at a higher risk
• Race – African American men have a higher chance of diagnosis
• Diet – eating more red meat and fats may be a risk factor

While prostate cancer typically does not show symptoms in its early stages, there are some things to look out for.

• Being unable to urinate, having difficulty urinating, urinating often, or having pain or burning during urination
• Difficulty having an erection
• Severe, frequent pain in your lower back, stomach, hip, or pelvis
• Blood in your urine or semen

There are several different treatment methods available for people who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Your doctor can recommend the best option for you. How are you participating in Movember to raise awareness for men’s health issues? Share your story in the comments.