Prostate Cancer Awareness: Detection and Treatment

Stanley M. Redwood, M.D. FACS

Stanley M. Redwood, M.D. FACS

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in American men. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.” Out of every 36 American men, one will actually die from prostate cancer. Although that is an unpleasant statistic, there are at least two million American men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer that are still alive today, thanks to ongoing advancements in cancer treatments.

Prostate cancer is exactly what it sounds like: it’s cancer of the prostate (the male reproductive gland found in the urethra that secretes semen).  Slowly over time cells located in the prostate glands begin to mutate into cancerous cells.  In some cases, the cancer spreads quickly, but in most cases it spreads slowly over time. In fact, most men live their entire lives without exhibiting symptoms of prostate cancer.

Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Frequent urination
• Burning during urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Inability to have an erection
• Blood in the urine and semen

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness about this type of cancer and educates communities about the detection and treatment of it. The month also advocates further research on other health issues related to the prostate.

Stanley M. Redwood, M.D. FACS, chief of the Department of Urology at Sinai Hospital, discusses prostate cancer detection, screenings and therapy, as well as the various prostate cancer treatments offered at LifeBridge Health:

Learn more from the Prostate Conditions Education Council.