This week is a special time to celebrate the men in your life. National Men’s Health Week focuses on raising awareness of men’s health issues and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases in men.
One of the most common diseases in men, and also the second leading cause of death in American men, is prostate cancer. Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Older age – The chances of developing prostate cancer increases rapidly after the age of 50.
Being African American – Prostate cancer is more common in black men than white, Hispanic or Asian American men. - Having a family history – Those who have a father or brother with prostate cancer are more than twice as likely to get the disease themselves.
Symptoms for prostate cancer usually show during later stages. Common symptoms for prostate cancer include:
- A weak or slow urinary stream
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
- Painful urination
Since prostate cancer often grows slowly, many doctors recommend active surveillance to monitor changes in the cancer growth and see if treatment is necessary. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men should have discussions with their doctors about screening for prostate cancer at age 50 (age 40-45 for men at higher risk). Those who want to be screened may then be tested with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or digital rectal exam (DRE).
Prostate cancer is not the only disease men should be cautious about. Men should pay attention to symptoms of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes and to get treated as soon as possible.
Other ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle include regular exercise (at least 2.5 hours a week), quitting smoking and getting good sleep every night.
Join the celebration by wearing blue this week and encouraging your loved ones to practice lifestyle habits and get regular checkups.