8 Prostate Cancer Myths Men Must Know

Prostate cancer is one of the types of cancer that causes the second highest death in the world in men. Unfortunately, there are many myths related to this cancer that need to be straightened out. What are some prostate cancer myths that are important for you to know? Check out the full review below.

Various Myths Related to Prostate Cancer

Here are some prostate cancer myths circulating in society, including:

1. Only Attacking the Elderly

Most of these cancers do occur in elderly men, aka the elderly. In fact, there are also men under the age of 65 who experience prostate cancer. This is because age is not the only factor, but due to other factors, some of which are:

• Family history. If your father or brother has the condition, you are two to three times more likely to have it. The more relatives who have this disease, the greater the risk of getting it.
• Race. Men of African-American race are more at risk of experiencing this condition.

Even if you are young, it is important to be aware of prostate cancer by talking to your doctor about whether you should get tested earlier.

2. Only Derived from Father or Grandfather

Men who have fathers with a history of prostate cancer are two or three times more prone to developing these abnormal cells. However, not all men who have a family history of cancer are directly affected.

There are lifestyle factors that can also increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as smoking, unhealthy sex, and rarely exercising.

3. Prostate Cancer Is Not Deadly

Many assume that this type of cancer is not lethal although it is quite dangerous. However, the fact is that cases of death from prostate cancer are in second place after lung cancer. Even after undergoing surgery, cancer can also grow back.

Although it can cause death, prostate cancer is slow progressing, which means it grows slowly and can often be actively monitored for years without other treatment. But sometimes these cancers are aggressive and grow quickly.

Also Read: 8 Foods to Maintain Prostate Health, Men Must Know

4. Prostate Cancer Treatment Causes Impotence

Most men believe that prostate cancer surgery can cause erectile problems. In fact, about 25% of patients who have had surgery recover and still have a good sex life.

The recovery period takes 4 to 24 months or may take longer. Younger men usually recover more quickly.

It should be noted, there are many factors that prevent men from getting an erection after surgery, one of which is the skill of the surgeon. However, as surgical techniques improve, patients can recover more quickly and have fewer side effects.

5. Recurring Cancer Cannot Be Treated Again

While it’s always best to cure cancer first, you still have a higher chance of recovery if it recurs, especially if you’ve had a radical prostatectomy.

If you catch a relapse early, you’ll get a pretty good cure rate.

6. Medication Causes Difficulty Holding Urination

Sexual side effects are more common than urinary incontinence side effects a year after surgery. Most patients with this type of cancer do not have significant voiding problems.

If you do have bladder problems, you will most likely have a small leak and this is usually temporary or treatable.

Also Read: Getting to Know the Stage of Prostate Cancer, from Beginning to End

7. Prostate Cancer Always Causes Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.

However, in most cases, the condition is diagnosed through screening before symptoms develop. If you have symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Potential symptoms include:

• Frequent urination.
• Blood spots in urine or semen.
• Weight loss for no apparent reason.

8. Screening Tests Never Help

In some cases, screening tests can actually help doctors diagnose prostate cancer earlier and make treatment easier.

Therefore, consult with your doctor to learn about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. The doctor may order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or digital rectal examination.

If the results are abnormal, the doctor will carry out further tests to determine whether you have prostate cancer or another condition.

Now, that’s various myths about prostate cancer that you should not believe. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends.

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