Common Misconceptions About Prostate Cancer

Despite being one of the most common forms of cancer in men, with an estimated one in nine developing it, there’s a lot of misinformation and misconceptions out there about the disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to understand as much as you can about it to ensure you’re getting the proper care and treatment. Here are some common misconceptions you should be aware of.

“Until I Display Symptoms, I Don’t Have Prostate Cancer”

Many men falsely assume that until they start to experience the signs and symptoms, they do not have prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the symptoms of prostate cancers are often the sign of a late-stage version of the disease. These symptoms include issues like difficulty starting or stopping urination, a frequent or urgent need to urinate, blood in urine or semen, or difficulty maintaining an erection.

Those with early-stage prostate cancer more often than not, do not display any of these symptoms. In most cases, prostate cancer is detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. That makes regular cancer screenings an essential part of good health care.

“Getting Treated for Prostate Cancer Leads to Impotence”

For many men, their sexual health and performance is an important part of their identity, and the idea of risking that with cancer treatment may deter them from getting help. However, it’s important to remember that different prostate cancer treatment options will have different outcomes and different impacts. For instance, a HIFU treatment is non-invasive and does not interrupt your sexual activities. Other treatment options, like surgery, can result in side-effects similar to erectile dysfunction but can be treated successfully as such.

“Your PSA Levels Determine Whether or Not You Have Prostate Cancer”

PSA, or Prostate Specific Androgen, is a protein that is produced within the prostate gland. Your prostate releases more or less of this protein in response to problems within the prostate itself. Your doctor may use a PSA test to determine the PSA levels in your bloodstream. While prostate cancer often results in an increased level of SPA in the bloodstream, it’s not a cause of it. High levels of PSA could be a sign of other conditions like an enlarged prostate, or an infection in the prostate. Low levels of PSA, on the other hand, aren’t always signs of good health. In some cases, low levels of PSA could be a sign of obesity or being overweight, which cause their own health issues.

“Prostate Cancer Grows Slowly, No Need for Worry”

While it is true that prostate cancer can grow slowly, this doesn’t mean you can ignore it. After your biopsy, your doctor will use the pathologist’s report to determine how aggressive the cancer is. In some cases, your treatment plan may be to simply wait and monitor the development of the cancer. This is a viable course of action for men who detect the cancer early and are in good health. But more aggressive forms of prostate cancer will need treatment in kind. Your doctor will outline a treatment plan that may include immunotherapy, surgery, or a HIFU treatment.

“Prostate Cancer Always Leads to Death”

There’s no denying the seriousness of a prostate cancer diagnosis, but with advances in medical technology, treatment plans, and medicine, the survival rates for prostate cancer are improving every day. In fact, most men who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis do not die from the disease. The 5-year survival rate is an estimated 100%. The 10-year survival rate is 98%, and the 15-year rate is 96%.

Get Quality Treatment Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might be an eligible candidate for a HIFU treatment. This non-invasive, radiation-free treatment is available across the United States. Meet with a provider today to learn more about this innovative new prostate cancer treatment.

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