What Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It can be highly treatable in the early stages, but too many men ignore symptoms until the cancer has already progressed.
According to the CDC, about 97% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive five years later. Often, many men die of other causes without experiencing any cancer symptoms.
Live Long Enough Most Men will Have Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. The gland is located at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut. At some point, a man will get prostate cancer if they live long enough. Age is a significant factor as 80% of men who reach age 80 will have prostate cancer.
The CDC reports that there are several different symptoms of prostate cancer; however, some men do not have symptoms at all. Here are common symptoms all men should pay attention to:
Blood in the urine or semen.
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Difficulty starting urination.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
Pain or burning during urination.
Painful ejaculation.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
The CDC urges any man with any of the symptoms to see their doctor right away. Men who are ages 55 to 69 years old should be screened for prostate cancer with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
In 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) made the following recommendations about prostate cancer screening.
Screening and Check-ups Highly Recommended
Most medical experts agree that screening for prostate cancer is something all men should do. For every man diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is usually a wife or partner for whom that diagnosis will also mean a life change.
Taking proactive action for your health is vital for every man and their loved one's well-being. Age is the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer, and once we get into our 50s, we experience declines in health, body, and mind.
A 2000 survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund reported that more than half of all men had not had a physical exam or cholesterol test. Regular check-ups and lab work, diet and exercise, and planning for the costs and burdens of aging should be part of being prepared. The older you get, the more likely you will need help with daily living activities or supervision due to memory loss.
Being Prepared for the Consequences of Aging
Just like you should have a retirement plan, you should have a plan for your health and future long-term health care. The costs of long-term health care services are increasing, and those costs will have an adverse effect on your family and finances.
There are consequences that everyone should be prepared for as we get older. Imagine needing care and seeing your adult children's lives interrupted as they become your caregiver. What you have an unbudgeted bill of $4000 to $10,000 a month to pay for long-term health care, how would that change your lifestyle and legacy?
For many American families, Long-Term Care Insurance is the affordable solution offering guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access to quality care options and control. Your assets are preserved, and your family has the time to be family instead of being your caregiver.
LTC NEWS answers many of the most asked questions about long-term health care planning here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Learn more about your options on LTC NEWS.