Like a school building on Saturday. No class.

Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-05-18 06:01 PM | Reply

I had a lot of Saturday school back in the day.

OCU GODSPEED

Prostate cancer can be easy to miss, especially in its early stages because it often doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. Many men are diagnosed through routine screening tests before they experience any problems.
Why it can be missed early:
* Lack of Early Symptoms: In the early stages, the tumor is often confined to the prostate gland and may not cause any symptoms.
* Non-Specific Symptoms: When symptoms do appear, they can be similar to those of other, more common conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urinary tract infections. These symptoms can include:
* Frequent urination, especially at night.
* Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
* Weak or interrupted urine flow.
* Painful or burning urination.
* Blood in the urine or -----.
* Gradual Development: Prostate cancer often develops slowly, so changes in urinary habits might be gradual and dismissed as part of aging.
Screening for Early Detection:
Because early prostate cancer often lacks symptoms, screening is crucial for detection. The primary screening methods include:
* Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other conditions such as BPH or prostatitis.
* Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for any lumps or abnormalities.
It's important to note that neither the PSA test nor the DRE is definitive for diagnosing prostate cancer. If these tests suggest a problem, further investigation, such as a prostate biopsy, is necessary to confirm the presence of cancer.
When symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer may appear, they can include:
* Dull pain in the lower pelvic area.
* Pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
* Painful -----------.
* Erectile dysfunction.
* Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
* Bone pain (if the cancer has spread).
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor. While these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, they warrant medical evaluation. Regular screening, especially for men over 50 or those with risk factors like a family history of prostate cancer or African American ethnicity, plays a vital role in detecting prostate cancer early when it is most treatable.