Like most cancers, early detection of prostate cancer is desirable. However, because the disease is asymptomatic, men may not realize they have prostate cancer at first. HCA Houston Healthcare. in fact, CNN It has been reported that prostate tumors can take more than 10 years to start causing symptoms, and not having regular prostate cancer screening increases the risk of the disease progressing.
For many people, Survival is goodAccording to the study, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2017 and 2021 is 97%. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Data from the past four years has shown that the majority of prostate cancers are diagnosed at a localized stage, where the cancer is confined to the prostate gland alone, but survival rates are reduced if the cancer is found to be at an advanced stage when detected.
Slow progression of prostate cancer symptoms
Prostate cancer tends to go unnoticed because it develops slowly. However, men with prostate cancer may start to experience early symptoms. These can include frequent nighttime urination, erectile dysfunction, weak urinary stream, blood in the urine or semen, and pain or burning when urinating or ejaculating. As with many other health conditions, such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate, it’s best to see your doctor if you experience any unusual urinary symptoms.
With advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, an individual may experience the following symptoms: More severe symptoms, such as swelling in the legsSymptoms may include difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and back or hip pain. However, HCA Houston Healthcare notes that a lot depends on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. Prostate cancer often spreads to the rectum, bladder, and bones, but if it spreads to the intestines, symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, and fecal incontinence.
Waiting times for diagnosis tend to be longer
Another reason prostate cancer takes so long to be discovered is the long wait times between diagnosis and treatment in the health care system. A study published in 2010 found that Canadian Journal of Urology, The researchers noted that this is an issue faced by many patients in Canada. As outlined in the study, wait times for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer tend to be longer than for other types of cancer. This can have a negative impact on both patients’ mental and physical health.
The survey results showed that the average wait time between suspected prostate cancer and definitive radiation treatment was 247 days. Of the 41 patients studied, only five were diagnosed within the four-week window recommended by national experts, with reasons for this including both patients and providers. The latest survey results for 2020 showed: Journal of Public Health ResearchHowever, there are indications that waiting times have improved over the years.
If you experience early symptoms of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor. American Cancer Society They suggest that men with prostate cancer should discuss regular testing with their health care provider starting at age 50. Those in high-risk groups, such as African-American men and those with a family history of cancer, are encouraged to discuss this with their doctor. Start Prostate Cancer Screening Between 40 and 49 years old.
