Older males need to be conscious about their health and be aware of potential risks, such as prostate cancer. While regular check-ups are essential, there are also some simple ways to monitor for signs of prostate cancer at home. Here, we will discuss how to check for prostate cancer at home and why early detection of the cancer is vital.
The prostate is a tiny gland in the male urinary and reproductive organs, situated between the bladder and the genital organs.It is responsible for secreting a fluid that combines with sperm to form semen.
The prostate gland also surrounds the urethra, the tube that passes both urine and semen from the body. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. This can form a tumor that, when not diagnosed early, spreads all over the body, causing so many complications.
Cancer of the prostate is among the most prevalent types of cancer in men; it is estimated that each year one in eight men will be diagnosed with this disease.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Knowing the symptoms can go a long way in diagnosing and managing the conditions. Here are some key things to look out for:
1. Urinary changes
One of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer is changes in urination. This can include frequent urination, especially at night; weak urine flow; difficulty starting or stopping urination; or pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in urine or semen
If you experience blood in your urine or semen, it may signify prostate cancer. This is often one of the frightening symptoms, but you should consult your doctor right away if you experience this.
3. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can have many causes; it can also be a symptom of prostate cancer. If you still have erectile dysfunction concerns or don’t get or keep enough erections, you should confide in your physician.
- Pain in the hips or back
At times the cancerous cells reach the bones, resulting in hip, back, or any other pain. If you are experiencing pain that doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
Occasionally, prostate cancer may cause swelling of the legs or the pelvic region. This may be an indication that the cancer is spreading and pressing on other tissues.
- Fatigue and weakness
Fatigue and weakness are signs of many diseases, including prostate cancer. If you do not recover from tiredness—even if you get plenty of sleep and rest—you should go to the doctor.
- Loss of weight
Weight loss may not be an intentional decision, and if you are gaining weight without any effort, then you might likely be suffering from prostate cancer. Any sudden loss of weight and they should seek medical attention.
- Difficulty in bowel movements
Prostate cancer can sometimes affect the rectum, leading to changes in bowel habits. If you’re having problems with bowel movements, be it constipation, diarrhea, or the like, you should go for proper screening.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
In some cases, prostate cancer can spread to the nerves in the spinal column, and this can cause numb or weak legs or feet. If you begin to develop these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
How to check for prostate cancer at home
1. Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Men with no symptoms or early signs may perform a DRE in the comfort of their homes to determine the presence of prostate cancer. There are a few quick precautions to take before performing a DRE: wash hands thoroughly and cut nails short so as not to pinch.
Next, stay in a position either bending over a table or lying down with your knees drawn close to the chest. Gently wear a lubricated glove into the rectum to feel the texture and ascertain whether there is any lump.
Pay attention to the size, shape, and texture of the gently inserted gland because any changes may indicate prostate cancer. If you notice anything strange while doing DRE at home, you must visit the hospital.
2. PSA Test
Another method is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. High levels of PSA indicate that a person has prostate cancer, although some other things can increase the PSA, such as prostate enlargement or infection.
To do the PSA test at home, you can order a PSA testing kit over the counter or from your doctor. The test most often requires a simple finger prick to collect a small amount of blood, which is then sent to a lab for analysis; however, the PSA test is not a definitive diagnostic tool for prostate cancer.
In the event your PSA results are high, this is an indication that there may be cancer cells present in your body, and the next step would be to undertake a biopsy.
How to do a digital rectal examination at home
Here is a step-by-step guide for conducting a proper DRE:
- Have the materials ready: Make sure that you have clean gloves, lubricant, and a suitable location for the exam.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent infection.
- Put on gloves that you wear hand gloves before doing the digital rectal examination.
- Apply lubricant: Use a lot of lubricant on gloves. Ensure it is as easy as possible and prevent discomfort.
- Stay in the right position: Staying in the right position can help you do a proper examination.
- Insert your gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum gently.
- Check for any abnormalities: Run your finger gently over the area around the rectum to see whether there is any swelling or any other abnormality.
Interpreting PSA test results
A sudden rise in PSA levels could indicate possible prostate issues, such as inflammation or infection. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider if you notice a sudden increase.
Your doctor may suggest other tests like a biopsy to determine if you have the disease. It’s also important to understand your age or your overall health status about the PSA test results.
Men below the age of 40 are more likely to have a low PSA level than a man over 40 due to natural benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, other factors such as medications, recent prostate procedures, or recent sexual activity can also affect the PSA result.
Read also: What Is PSADT For Prostate Cancer?
Lifestyle Changes for Prostate Health
1. Regular exercise
Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing prostate problems. Perform at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
2. Balanced diet
A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give the body some nutrients that can be beneficial to the prostate gland. That’s why it is ideal to reduce the consumption of red meat and processed products.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins from the body. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
4. Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to prostate issues. If if is too hard to quit alcohol, drink as little as possible—no more than one per day.
- Manage stress
Chronic stress can affect your body, so stress management is a must. This could be meditation, exercising, practicing yoga, or getting together with friends or family members.
6. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is also a factor that can affect prostate problems, so make sure to maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
Yes, there are ways you can monitor your prostate cancer at home, though this should not be encouraged because self-diagnosing prostate cancer at home can either give you results or cause unnecessary anxiety.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or persistent back, hip, or pelvic pain, you should consult a doctor right away. These could be signs of any number of diseases, but perhaps the worst one could be prostate cancer.
