After the age of 50, men should discuss prostate cancer screenings with their doctor. After the age of 70, screening is not as common, but he still needs to be aware of signs of a problem and talk to his doctor if he has concerns.
Understanding the Prostate
The prostate is a small gland that produces fluid that aid sperm's health and movement. When there's a problem, urination can become more difficult with a weaker stream. Blood may be seen in the urine, too.An enlarged prostate is a common problem men face. Prostate cancer is another. If an enlarged prostate is present, the weak stream of urine or starting and stopping of the flow increases the risk of a UTI and bladder stones. In addition, it can impact kidney function if left untreated.
How is an enlarged prostate treated? Medications that help relax the bladder and prostate are one of the more common treatments.
Screenings for Prostate Cancer
While a digital rectal exam used to be performed, some doctors have moved away from that test. Instead, they use the PSA blood test to look for a protein that the prostate gland produces. If the test shows higher than normal levels, it can indicate cancer, so additional testing is needed.At this point, a biopsy is often the recommended path. A small needle removes a tissue sample from the prostate to check for cancerous cells. If they're found, the doctor will order additional tests to see if cancer has spread to the rest of the body.
If cancer hasn't spread, removal of the prostate may be recommended. Depending on the surgery, your dad may be in a hospital for a few days. Make arrangements for pet care and other things that may worry him.
Once he's home, he needs to take it easy for a few weeks following this surgery. He'll need someone to handle heavier tasks in the home, such as laundry, vacuuming stairs, and changing sheets.
While your dad heals, make arrangements to have elder care aides help him with daily routines like cleaning, meal preparation, and medications. If he's likely to lose track of when he last took an Advil, it's important to have a caregiver available to remind him. Make arrangements by calling an elder care agency.