Prostate Cancer: What Age Does It Start?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the United States. It typically affects men over the age of 50, but can develop in younger men as well. Understanding what age prostate cancer usually starts and how to recognize the early signs of the disease can help you detect it early and ensure a better outcome.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease. These include:
• Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50.
• Race: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
• Family History: If your father or brother has had prostate cancer, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Diet: Eating a diet high in fat and red meat can increase your risk.
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of prostate cancer can be difficult to detect, as they are often similar to those of other conditions. These include:
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will use a combination of tests to diagnose prostate cancer. These may include a digital rectal exam, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, an ultrasound, and a biopsy.
The digital rectal exam involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel for any abnormalities in your prostate gland.
The PSA test measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and if it is present in higher than normal amounts, it can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
An ultrasound will allow your doctor to get a better look at your prostate gland and see if there are any abnormal growths.
Finally, a biopsy will involve taking a small sample of tissue from your prostate gland and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment
If prostate cancer is detected early, it can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Surgery involves removing the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue.
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy X-rays to destroy the cancer cells.
Hormone therapy works by blocking the production of testosterone, which is the hormone that drives the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Your doctor will discuss the best treatment option for you based on your age, health, and the stage of your cancer.
Prostate cancer can be a serious and life-threatening disease, but if it is caught early, it can be treated successfully. It is important to be aware of the risk factors, early symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment options for prostate cancer.