What's the State of Your Prostate?

The prostate is a gland in men the size of a walnut that increases in size after age 40. It is located between the bladder and rectum and surrounds the urethra and functions to help produce semen. Most men after age 40 will develop enlargement of the gland, which is why it’s important to get it checked regularly to catch problems early.

Prostate Problems

The most common issues with the prostate involve an array of symptoms, but some men do not have any external symptoms, which is why an annual exam after age 50 is recommended. Enlargement of the gland has three main causes:

• Prostatitis is the most common of the medical issues associated with the gland, characterized by prostate inflammation. It is recognized that half of all men will develop prostatitis and need treatment in his lifetime.
• Enlarged prostate, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), is the most prevalent health concern among men. After age 50, most men will encounter BPH, but this does not mean cancer is the underlining reason. An embarrassing and annoying symptom is difficulty starting and completing urination.
• Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably. This condition is the most worrisome because it is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths in men.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. One in every seven men will be diagnosed with this particular cancer. While age is the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer, ethnicity, family history and gene mutations also play a role. With early detection, prostate cancer can be successfully treated.

Prostate Exams

Clint Cheng, MD, primary care physician at St. Joseph Health Primary Care Barron Road, shares that “especially after age 50, all men should be diligent in seeing their physician for a simple annual exam and evaluation.” The exam involves a Digital Rectal Exam to determine the size of the gland. A common blood test or PSA test is another test used to detect prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Ask your physician which test is right for you.

Are you overdue for a prostate exam? Schedule an appointment with a St. Joseph Health primary care physician to take care of your important screenings by calling 979.774.2121 or requesting an appointment online.

Sources:

CDC - Prostate Cancer

American Cancer Society