For prostate cancer early detection is key

Lake Nona, FL — HCA Florida Healthcare doctors say Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to learn more about the importance of early detection in fighting this common cancer in men.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer, and about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer often starts slowly, without obvious symptoms, making screening crucial. Symptoms as the disease progresses may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination especially at night, blood in urine, weight loss or erectile disfunction.

“In its early stages, prostate cancer does not typically have obvious symptoms, which is why screening is so important,” said Raj Rajpara, MD, a radiation oncologist at UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare. “Screening allows us to catch prostate cancer at the earliest possible stage where the treatment is most successful.”

Dr. Rajpara said prostate cancer screening involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test that can be performed at your primary care physician’s office or at the lab. The tests can detect cancer early, allowing treatment to start sooner and improving outcomes.

Certain men are at higher risk for prostate cancer, including those over 50, those with a family history of the disease, and Black men, who also have a higher mortality rate. New treatment options such as robotic surgery, immunotherapy and advanced radiation therapies can provide better targeting of cancer cells with fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

“In its earliest stages, because the cancer cells are confined to the prostate gland, the disease can often be managed with some of the newer, less invasive treatments,” said Dr. Rajpara. 

Consult your doctor about your screening options and the latest treatments. Early detection can save lives.

For more information, visit the HCA Florida Healthcare website.