Prostate Health
Your prostate is an important part of men's health. Knowing what to look out for and talking to a doctor when something concerns you can help you take care of your health.
First, what is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. It is part of the male reproductive system and helps produce the fluid that carries sperm.
As men get older, the prostate can change. Many prostate problems are not cancer, but persistent or troublesome changes should still be checked.
Take a quick self-check
Have you noticed any of these changes?
- Do you need to urinate more often, especially at night?
- Do you find it difficult to start urinating?
- Is your urine flow weaker or interrupted?
- Do you feel your bladder has not emptied completely?
- Have you noticed blood in your urine or semen?
- Have you noticed other changes in your urinary or sexual health that concern you?
If you answered “Yes” to one or more…
DON'T PANIC, BUT DON'T IGNORE IT.
These changes can have many causes, and they do not necessarily mean prostate cancer. However, if the changes are persistent or concerning, it is worth speaking to a doctor or urologist to find out what may be causing them.
This quick check cannot diagnose prostate cancer. It simply helps you recognise when it may be worth seeking medical advice.
How much do you know about your risk?
- Are you 50 or older?
- Has your father or brother had prostate cancer?
- Do you have a family history of prostate cancer?
- Have you ever been told that you carry an inherited genetic change that may increase your risk of prostate cancer?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, it may be worth discussing your personal risk with a doctor.
This check does not diagnose prostate cancer or determine your individual risk. A doctor can assess your personal and family history and advise you further.
What should I do if I'm concerned?
Talk to a doctor or urologist.
If you have noticed persistent changes, have symptoms that concern you, or think you may be at higher risk, don't ignore them.
A doctor can talk to you about your symptoms and medical and family history and decide whether you need further assessment or tests.
Remember: Having urinary symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer. But it is important to find out what may be causing them.
Find out where to get help at SIUT
How is prostate health checked?
If you have symptoms or concerns about your prostate, a doctor may recommend tests to better understand what is happening.
One of these may be a PSA blood test.
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a substance produced by cells in the prostate, and a simple blood test can measure its level.
A raised PSA does not necessarily mean cancer. It can also be raised by other prostate conditions.
Your doctor will consider your PSA result together with your symptoms and other factors before deciding whether further assessment is needed.
Learn more about the prostate
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds part of the tube that carries urine out of the body.
The prostate helps produce some of the fluid that carries sperm.
As men get older, the prostate can naturally change and become larger. This can sometimes cause urinary symptoms.
Several conditions can affect the prostate. These include an enlarged prostate, inflammation of the prostate and prostate cancer.
Not every prostate problem is cancer.
If you notice changes that are persistent, troublesome or concerning, it is important to speak to a doctor or urologist so that the cause can be properly assessed.
Early prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. This is why knowing your personal risk and discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional can be important.
Learn more about your risk
Your chance of developing prostate cancer can be affected by several factors.
- Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases as men get older.
- Family history: Having a close family member, particularly a father or brother, who has had prostate cancer can increase your risk.
- Inherited genetic factors: Some inherited genetic changes can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Ethnic background: The risk of prostate cancer can vary between different ethnic populations.
Having one or more of these factors does not mean that you have prostate cancer. It simply means that your personal risk may be different from someone else's.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, are concerned about your risk, or have questions about whether you should have further assessment, speak to a doctor or urologist.
Your doctor can help you understand your individual risk and what may be appropriate for you.
Find out where to get help at SIUT
If you have noticed changes that concern you, or would like to discuss your prostate health, the first step is to speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
SIUT Urology Clinic
First Floor, Hanifa Suleman Building, Karachi
Phone: 021 99215752
You can contact the SIUT Urology Clinic for information about consultation and referral.
What should I bring to a consultation?
What symptoms you have noticed; how long you have had them; how often they occur; any medicines you are taking; whether you have a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate problems; and any previous prostate or PSA test results, if available.
You do not need to work out what is wrong yourself. If something concerns you, getting medical advice is the right first step.
Learn more about PSA
What is a PSA test?
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a substance produced by the prostate and can be measured through a simple blood test.
Why might I need a PSA test?
A doctor may recommend a PSA test as part of assessing your prostate health, depending on your symptoms, age, family history and other risk factors.
Does a raised PSA mean cancer?
Not necessarily.
PSA can be raised for reasons other than prostate cancer, including other prostate conditions.
Your doctor will look at your PSA result together with your symptoms and other factors to decide whether you need further assessment.
The important thing to remember
A PSA test is not a diagnosis of cancer.
If you have concerns about your prostate health, speak to a doctor or urologist.