8 possible warning signs of prostate cancer
3 minutes read
- Prostate cancer is a disease that will be diagnosed in one in eight men during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
Santo Domingo, June 2022.- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In its early stages it rarely causes symptoms, but as the disease progresses, certain warning signs may appear.
Urologist Christopher Weight, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Urologic Oncology, says most men with prostate cancer have no signs or symptoms, but recommends talking to your doctor about risk factors if you have any suspicion or notice changes.“Bear in mind that noticing certain symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate problems with your prostate, because almost all of them come with ageing,” explains Dr. Weight.
Some possible warning signs:
- Slow or weak urine flow
- Frequent need to urinate
- Painful or burning urination
- Blood in the urine
- Prostate pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Ejaculation problems
- Pain or numbness
“There’s no way to eliminate the risk of getting prostate cancer, but if it’s diagnosed early, the survival rate is high,” said Dr. Weight.
To reduce the risk of developing the disease, doctors recommend regular prostate check-ups, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet and not smoking.
Testimony: two brothers beat prostate cancer at the same time
Brothers Rick and Frank Pérez were not only diagnosed with prostate cancer just weeks apart by the same Cleveland Clinic urologist, but also received personalised treatment under the same radiation oncologist, Dr. Rahul Tendulkar. 
“It was helpful for both of us to have someone to talk to who was going through the same process,” recalled Frank, 77.
His brother Ricky said: “There’s a history of cancer in our family. And with (early-stage) prostate cancer, there aren’t many symptoms. If I hadn’t had a blood test, I wouldn’t have known.”
Different treatments
At Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Frank underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a treatment that delivers higher, more precise doses of radiation over a shorter period. “I had no pain or discomfort with the procedure,” he said.
Ricky, on the other hand, was not eligible for SBRT because he had undergone artificial hip surgeries, and the metal implants could interfere with the precision and safety of SBRT.
He received another radiation treatment called hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy. This regimen, pioneered at Cleveland Clinic, also involved fewer treatments at higher doses.
On these procedures, Dr. Tendulkar explained: “Our field has evolved rapidly over the last 20 years and we have many treatment options that are fast, precise and effective; the likelihood of cure is excellent for most patients with localised prostate cancer.”
Now cancer-free for almost two years, the brothers have become advocates encouraging men, especially their sons, other relatives and friends, to see their doctor regularly.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 72,500 employees worldwide are more than 5,050 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,800 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 21 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2021, there were 10.2 million outpatient visits, 304,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 259,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.
Visit us at clevelandclinic.org.
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