Wondering if you have prostate cancer? Here is what you need to know!

We have all heard so many things about coronavirus so far. Some months ago, no one could say that it will become such a common subject all around the world. 

Our daily habits have dramatically changed, forcing us to rethink our future.

We have tons of information at our disposal about how to prevent getting infected by the coronavirus but even so, more and more people contract the disease. This makes all of us wonder what are the things that lie ahead of us. 

However, we need to admit that even if the coronavirus has changed our everyday lives, we have some other related concerns about our health. 

Many routine medical appointments have been canceled or rescheduled, leaving many patients with a lot of doubts and uncertainty. 

Here is what to do if you think that you may have prostate cancer. 

What to do if you think that you may have prostate cancer?

First of all, consider the symptoms or signs that have made you think of prostate cancer. Some of the potential warning signs of prostate cancer that you may also have signaled are:

• Frequent urination
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• Sudden erectile dysfunction
• Difficulty starting urination
• Blood in the urine

If some of these warning signs apply to you, do not be alarmed. 

Other non-cancerous conditions of the prostate, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, may cause similar symptoms. 

There are also other factors that you need to consider when thinking about having prostate cancer. 

Prostate cancer risk factors

Take into account the following important factors:

• Age is a very important risk factor. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 years of age and the risk gets higher as you get older. The most common age of the men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 65-69 years of age.

So, if you are over 50 years and present some of the warning signs of prostate cancer, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

What to do if you are younger but have some of the symptoms associated with prostate cancer?

There are also other risk factors you need to consider.

• Think about your family history. Prostate cancer is a type of disease that can be inherited. Genetic mutations run in families. That is why you need to carefully think about your family history in terms of any health problems that have affected them.

You may be exposed to greater risk if a close relative has had prostate cancer or breast cancer. 

For example, you are two and a half more likely to have prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it, compared with a man without a family history. Some other things you need to know:

• Think about the age your father/brother had when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The younger he was (less than 60 years) the greater the risk for you to develop the disease at a younger age. 
• Another thing you need to consider is the number of close family members who have prostate cancer. If you are having more than a relative affected by the disease, (for example your father and your brother) your risk is higher.
• The race is another risk factor that can not be neglected. If you are Afro-American your risk of having a more aggressive type of prostate cancer at a younger age is even higher. Many studies have been conducted to find out the reasons why black men are at higher risk of prostate cancer. You should know that black men are 2.5 more likely to die from the disease compared to non-Hispanic white men. One of the studies conducted by researchers has revealed that it may not be a genetic problem, but a societal one. 

Anyway, if you are an Afro-American, aged 45 or more, you should talk to a doctor even if you do not have any symptoms. 

Now you know what things to consider when thinking about having prostate cancer or not.

Even if you probably can not set up an appointment with a doctor right now because of the pandemic, talk to your health care provider or to a urologist about your concerns. 

More important, if you have more cumulative prostate cancer risk factors, call a doctor as soon as possible or set up a video conference.

Based on the information you provide, he will asses the gravity of the situation and will decide what needs to be done for the best care. Even if prostate cancer is usually slow-growing and may not put the patient’s life at threat, urgent measures need to be taken.

Home prevention for prostate cancer

In the meanwhile, here are some practical things you can do at home that may prevent prostate cancer or its spread:

• Adjust your diet! When you’re staying at home, it is easy to lose control over what you are eating or when you are eating. A high-fat diet may contribute to developing prostate cancer. Try instead the Mediterranean diet, that is having a generally positive effect also on your overall health. There are also some prostate friendly foods you may consider including in your diet. 

Watch the video for more information regarding foods to eat and foods to avoid for prostate health.

• Control your weight! Studies have shown that men with abdominal obesity are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Even in isolation, try to stay fit and avoid obesity. If you already have some extra pounds, consider losing weight.
• Exercise as much as you can! There is an indication that an active lifestyle can protect you from prostate cancer. Do not suppose that you need to do vigorous physical training, easy exercises are also beneficial.

Here are some ideas of exercises you can do at home to protect your health!

Whatever is your situation, you do not need to panic. It is true that we live in the most uncertain time of our lives, but you can still rely on doctors’ expertise and desire to help you. 

Do not hesitate to contact a specialized urologist who can address all your concerns. 

In the meantime, take over the control of your life and try to have a balanced diet, including regular physical activity. 

What is more important, maintain a positive attitude.