Sometimes, due to misinformation, people tend to draw back from undergoing prostate screening, which can potentially save more people and also help to offer less complex treatments. It is hard to notice any symptoms of prostate cancer at its early stages, but as time goes on and the cancer keeps advancing, the symptoms become noticeable. There are some misconceptions concerning prostate cancer that need to be corrected, and as you read on this blog, you will be able to understand the myths and facts about prostate cancer.
Myth 1: No symptoms, no cancer
Fact: This is the most effective way to overcome cancer. By the time one starts to feel the symptoms, the cancer would have already spread, which makes it more complex to treat; as such, men are advised to take early prostate cancer screening to prevent further spreading and also complex treatments.
Myth 2: An enlarged prostate, BPH, means cancer
Fact: A high level of PSA does not necessarily mean that the person obviously has cancer. There are many factors that can cause an elevated PSA. Some other causes of an increase in PSA are Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate; there is Prostatitis, which is an inflammation or an infection of the prostate; it could also be due to rigorous exercising, or recent ejaculation. An elevated PSA mainly indicates that further tests should be taken before concluding the cause.
Myth 3: I am still young, so I cannot get cancer
Fact: It is indeed true that the risk of cancer increases as men get older. Statistically, a larger number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 65. Nevertheless, prostate cancer is not only for older men, but it can also affect men in their 40s or 50s. Additionally, a person is also likely to have prostate cancer if the person’s family has a strong history of cancer. People in such cases are advised to start prostate cancer screening at age 40.
Myth 4: The quality of my life will greatly change because of the harsh treatments of prostate cancer.
Fact: Not all prostate cancer conditions need to be treated immediately, especially when you have a slow-growing, low-risk tumour. You are more likely to qualify for active surveillance, which means no treatment is needed. In cases where treatment should be taken, urology has completely advanced in its treatment of prostate cancer through precision medicine, genetically-based therapies, immunotherapy and minimally invasive, intricate robotic surgeries, which result in targeted treatment, better outcomes, faster recovery, with less toxicity, which is focused on care and organ preservation.
Myth 5: Prostate screening is invasive
Fact: The first test in prostate screening is an easy blood test called the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). It requires drawing blood from the arm, just like any normal blood test, and the blood is taken to the lab for testing. The second prostate screening is called a Digital rectal exam (DRE). It may be a little uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes. The aim of the exam is to check the pelvic organs for any abnormalities like growth, enlargement and tenderness. As much as it is a little uncomfortable, it is still an important procedure that gives a great deal of information for the health practitioners.
Conclusion
Now that you have understood the myths and facts regarding prostate cancer, it would be a great step to go for prostate screening, or if you know anyone who has been hesitant to go for screening due to the myths about prostate cancer. For this, you can engage with the professionals of RG Stone Urology And Laparoscopy Hospital in Ludhiana. Our treatments are well advanced, and we have a great team of experts who have vastly understood prostate cancer, so book your appointment as soon as you can and let our experts guide you.
