Medical Services • Prostate Care

Setting the standard for superior care

The longer men live, the greater the likelihood that their prostate will enlarge and the greater the risk for prostate cancer. Not all enlarged prostates or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) lead to cancer. It is, however, possible for men to have both BPH and cancer.

There are no early warning symptoms for prostate cancer, so it is very important to have regular screening tests. Most of the time prostate cancer never becomes life threatening. While one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only one man in 34 will die from the disease.

Diagnosing prostate problems

Two simple annual screenings can detect prostate cancer early and give you more treatment options. At NCH, we offer prostate screenings twice a year including a blood test for PSA – prostate specific antigen and a digital rectal exam or DRE. However, your personal physician can also perform these tests during your annual check-up.

Other tests for prostate enlargement could include transrectal ultrasound, urine flow study, intravenous pyelogram and cystoscopy.

Symptoms of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

• A hesitant, interrupted, weak urinary stream
• Urgency, leaking or dribbling
• More frequent urination, especially at night

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is often diagnosed before symptoms occur. However, signs that prostate cancer may be present include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Trouble starting or holding back the flow of urine
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Blood in urine or semen
• Inability to have and maintain an erection
• Frequent pain in lower back, hips or upper thighs

Are you at-risk for prostate cancer?

• Age - The longer men live, the greater their chances of developing prostate cancer. *Up to 80% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older.
  *ACS Facts and Figures 2008
• Family history - The risk is higher if there is a family history.
• Race - Prostate cancer occurs about 70% more in African American men than in Caucasian or Northern Europeans.
• Physical activity - Staying physically active and keeping a healthy weight may reduce your risk.
• Diet - There is no evidence that diet plays a role in prostate cancer.