PROSTATE HEALTH FOR AGING ADULTS
PROSTATE HEALTH
FOR AGING ADULTS
Prostate Health Awareness
September is prostate awareness month. [cite: 1, 2] Spreading awareness of this disease is important, especially among seniors. Men over age 65 account for nearly 60% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. [cite: 2, 3] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 3]
Prostate Cancer Prevention
About Prostate Health
Men have prostates, which are small glands located near the bladder. [cite: 3, 4] Prostates can develop problems like infections or inflammation. [cite: 4] Cancer cells can also form in the prostate, which can develop into tumors. [cite: 4, 5] There are more than 20 specific forms of prostate cancer. [cite: 5]
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. [cite: 5, 6] That’s why screening for prostate cancer is so important. [cite: 6]
Screening for Prostate Cancer
There are two main options for screening for prostate cancer. [cite: 6, 7] Seniors can receive a blood test, which is called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. [cite: 7] A physical rectal exam may also be conducted. [cite: 7, 8] If a doctor suspects a patient has prostate cancer, a biopsy is almost always involved in the diagnosis. [cite: 8, 9] Treatment of Prostate Cancer
The most common treatments for prostate cancer include radiation, surgery to remove tumors, and drug-based therapies. [cite: 9, 10] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 10]
No studies to date have definitively proven a prostate cancer prevention strategy. [cite: 10, 11, 12] However, some prevention strategies are believed to reduce the risk of cancer overall, and may improve the body’s ability to fight any kind of cancer. [cite: 11, 12] Try:
- Eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active
- Attending regularly scheduled doctor appointments
(Mayo Clinic) [cite: 12]
Why Screening for Prostate Cancer is Vital
The obvious reason for screening older men for cancer is that early detection increases the odds of survival. [cite: 13, 14] There are other reasons for getting screened, though:
- Men with prostate cancer may have genes that predispose both their sons and daughters to forms of cancer. [cite: 14, 15]
- Data about prostate cancer, even if it is non-aggressive, can be used by researchers to prevent and treat all cancers. [cite: 15, 16]
- Early detection can reduce the intensity of treatment required, as well as the side effects. [cite: 16, 17]
- Doctors may be able to begin with the less invasive blood test if a senior’s risk level is low. [cite: 17, 18]
(Prostate Cancer Foundation) [cite: 18]
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Men should be certain to get screened for prostate cancer if they:
- Are over 65
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have genetic factors predisposing cancer
- Are African American
- Have an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits
Home Care Tip
For many men, having to experience a rectal exam is the main reason for avoiding prostate cancer screening. [cite: 18, 19] Remind senior men that their health (and genes) can affect their loved ones. [cite: 19] Any temporary discomfort is worth it.
- Published in IN HOME CARE