We can help when you’re facing a prostate cancer diagnosis
No one wants to learn that they have cancer. However, 1 in 8 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, making this one of the most common types of cancer in men. Thankfully, advances in cancer treatment make this type of cancer very treatable, especially when it is caught early.
If you’ve just received this diagnosis and are wondering where to turn, the team at Houston Metro Urology can help. As the largest urology practice in the city, we provide highly effective treatments and compassionate care. Our Houston urology practice also offers same-day appointments so that you don’t have to wait to start getting the treatment you need.
Participating in the Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is another way we support patients
Because early detection saves lives, our Houston urology practice believes in raising awareness about this type of cancer and the available treatment options. That’s why we take part in the Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk
This event helps raise funds for prostate cancer patients and their families. It will take place at MacGregor Park on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Houston Metro Urology will have a team participating in the event. You can also take part in this event by going to zerocancer.run/Houston to register today. Let’s all do our part to put an end to this type of cancer.
What is prostate cancer and what are the risk factors for it?
Cancer occurs when cells in the body start to grow out of control. When it comes to prostate cancer, the cells that experience this unhealthy growth are in the prostate gland. This gland plays an important role in producing some of the liquid that makes up semen.
There are several risk factors that increase a man’s likelihood of developing this type of cancer. The first is age, as about 6 in 10 cases of this cancer occur in men over age 65. Being African American or a Caribbean man of African descent as well as having a family history of this illness also appear to be risk factors.
How do we diagnose and treat this condition?
Most cases of this type of cancer are found early during routine screenings. A digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are examples of such screenings.
While early cases of this cancer do not typically cause symptoms, men with more advanced cases can experience the following issues.
- Problems with urination, including a weak stream and an increased need to urinate
- Blood in the urine or the semen
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Pain in the hips, back or chest
- Weakness in the legs or feet
If a doctor at our Houston urology practice suspects you have prostate cancer, they will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also likely order diagnostic tests like a PSA blood test, prostate biopsy and imaging tests.
If the results confirm a cancer diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Depending on your unique situation and needs, your doctor will recommend one or more of the following treatments.
- Observation (watchful waiting) or active surveillance
- Surgery to remove the prostate gland to prevent the cancer from spreading
- Radiation therapy or cryotherapy to destroy the cancer cells
- A type of hormone therapy called androgen suppression therapy
- Chemotherapy when the cancer has spread and hormone therapy isn’t working
- HIFU prostate tissue ablation is an option to treat localized prostate cancer
Your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure that your treatment is working as it should and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. Our Houston urology practice will also work hard to make sure you feel supported and as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about this event or how our team helps diagnose and treat it, contact us. We’re here to answer all your questions and provide the treatment and support you deserve.