Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Symptoms, Tech Research & More

We have talked about awareness months in the past, and so, to continue this trend, let’s use this time of year to talk about prostate cancer.

September is prostate cancer awareness month, so there’s never been a better time to learn more about this little-known condition. The subject of prostate cancer is always a difficult one to address, as it’s a subject that few men feel comfortable talking about. However, there’s no denying the importance of discussing a life-threatening illness that affects one in nine men; so, let’s shrug off the discomfort and dive into the subject, by exploring three things all men should know about prostate cancer.

#1 – Prostate cancer has a symptom problem…

… in that there aren’t many symptoms at all. Prostate cancer can grow for years, completely symptom-free. There are a few signs to keep an eye out for, but mostly, prostate cancer is identified via a medical check-up rather than following the conventional symptom-identification-equals-diagnosis pattern. An annual prostate check, especially for men over the age of 40, is the best way to ensure that your prostate is in good health.

#2 – Prostate cancer is highly survivable

In fact, the survival rates for prostate cancer are among the best for any form of cancer. The five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is close to 100%, and the 10 year survival rate is 98%. These figures are hugely encouraging, and all the more so in terms of how prostate cancer is perceived. While there is no doubt that a diagnosis of cancer is always going to cause distress and alarm, the simple fact is that prostate cancer is incredibly manageable, and all the more so if it is caught early. Given the slow growth of prostate cancers, if it can be found before it spreads to other bodily symptoms – known as metastasizing – then the outcome is very favorable indeed.

#3 – Research continues to improve treatment and survival

With high existing survival levels, it may seem that the medical solutions for prostate cancer are already mostly resolved. However, while some of the focus has moved to awareness rather than researching treatments, work continues to try and ensure those survival rates remain as high as possible; this page explains one of the tech-related methods of research being conducted, and there’s plenty of similar work being done around the world. So while the survival rates are already encouraging, there’s still work continuing to ensure they can improve even further.

In conclusion

In many ways, prostate cancer is a difficult subject to talk about, but it’s also a highly important one. Prostate cancer is incredibly common, but it’s also highly treatable, has an excellent prognosis if found prior to metastasization, and research continues for more complex cases. As a result, the need to be willing to talk about prostate cancer is all the more pressing, as this can be a hidden illness that the sufferer experiences for years with no obvious signs.

So, to honor prostate cancer awareness month, go for a check-up, even if you are symptom-free. Prostate cancer may well be a tough subject, but by addressing it head-on, you can protect your health and well-being both now and in the future.