How to Check for Prostate Cancer at Home
As men age, keeping an eye on prostate health becomes increasingly important. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, but early detection can significantly improve outcomes. While regular screenings with a healthcare professional are essential, there are also steps you can take at home to monitor your prostate health. In this guide, we’ll explore how to check for prostate cancer at home in a safe and effective manner.
Understanding prostate cancer
Before delving into self-check techniques, let’s briefly understand what prostate cancer entails.
The prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ positioned just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, is integral to male reproductive function. Prostate cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells within this gland, often manifesting in a range of symptoms.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night (nocturia)
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
- Discomfort or pain during ejaculation
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
- Bone pain, especially in the lower back, hips, or ribs
It’s also possible for symptoms to go unnoticeable in the early stages of the disease. It’s essential to stay vigilant for these signs and prioritize regular screenings to ensure early detection and prompt intervention if necessary. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis of prostate cancer.
While you shouldn’t feel embarrassed at all, some men like the peace of mind of knowing how to check for prostate cancer at home. Keeping an eye on your own prostate can help you determine any changes and whether you should seek medical attention.
How to Check for Prostate Cancer at Home with a Self-Prostate Exam
While self-exams cannot replace professional medical evaluations, they can serve as a proactive measure for early detection. They work best when you perform them routinely, getting to know the feel of your own prostate so that you can detect changes more easily.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check for prostate cancer at home:
Choose the right time : Perform the exam when you’re relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted. Ideally, do it after a warm bath or shower, as the warmth can help relax the muscles and make the exam more comfortable.
Assume the correct position : Either stand with one foot elevated on a chair or lie on your side with your knees drawn towards your chest. Find a position that allows easy access to the rectal area.
Use lubrication : Apply a water-based lubricant to your finger and the anal opening to facilitate smooth insertion and reduce discomfort.
Gently insert your finger : Slowly insert your index finger into the rectum, aiming towards the front of your body. You should feel the prostate gland, which is located just a few inches inside and towards the front.
Feel for abnormalities : Once you locate the prostate gland, gently press on it using a circular motion. Pay attention to any areas that feel firm, irregular, or tender. Note any unusual sensations or changes in size.
Repeat regularly : Perform self-exams on a regular basis, ideally once a month, to monitor for any changes over time.
FAQs
What are the five early warning signs of prostate cancer?
Early warning signs of prostate cancer may include changes in urination patterns, such as frequent or difficult urination, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, and bone pain, particularly in the lower back or hips.
How do I know if my prostate is okay?
While self-exams can provide some insight, the best way to assess prostate health is through regular screenings and examinations conducted by a healthcare professional. This typically involves a combination of a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test is a blood test for the prostate specific antigen. It doesn’t diagnose prostate cancer, but it is a screening tool. You can buy PSA tests to do at home but they don’t replace the need for prostate exams.
Prostate Cancer Treatments
Prostate cancer treatments aim to eradicate or manage cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
Options include:
- Surgery: Removes the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy).
- Radiation therapy: Destroys cancer cells using high-energy rays.
- Hormone therapy: Reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Cryotherapy: Freezes and destroys cancerous tissue.
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): Uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy cancer cells.
Dutasteride, a medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), may be used alongside other treatments to manage prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s known as a hormone therapy. Dutasteride works by reducing the size of the prostate gland, subsequently enhancing urinary flow. Additionally, it is frequently combined with tamsulosin, another medication, to effectively manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This dual therapy approach aims to alleviate symptoms associated with BPH, offering individuals improved urinary function and overall comfort.
You can buy dutasteride and tamsulosin at the International Pharmacy.
It’s important to remember that self-exams are not a substitute for professional medical care. If you notice any abnormalities during a self-prostate exam or experience concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider promptly.
