September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Cells in nearly all parts of the body can become cancer cells, including the cells in the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men in America with death rates coming in second behind lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates it will affect more than 260,000 men in 2022. Awareness and early detection are important to ensure positive outcomes.
One can help lower his risk of cancer by eating right, avoiding smoking, staying active and maintaining screenings for early detection as recommended by a primary care provider (PCP). Men should begin having conversations with their PCP beginning at age 45 to determine whether testing is right for them. Screening includes an exam, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and a blood test. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age with African American men more likely to develop it than men of other races.
In early stages, there may not be notable symptoms indicating a problem. Always talk with your PCP if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Trouble urinating or frequent urination, sometimes urgently
- Decreased force of urination
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine stream
- Pressure or pain in the rectum
- Blood in semen
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Bone pain
Doctors have a wide range of tools available for treating prostate cancers. Your PCP and specialist will work with you to design a treatment plan; our goal is to create one that gives you the greatest chance of living a long life while managing side effects and preserving prostate function.
Peter Liu, D.O., specializes in urology, a broad specialty that covers numerous issues from prostate cancer to kidney stones to incontinence. Dr. Lui is accepting new patients at MyMichigan Urology in Alma. Those interested in scheduling an appointment with him may call (989) 629-8225.
