HJAR Sep/Oct 2021

42 SEP / OCT 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN UROLOGY AS MANYAS 1 in 9 men will receive a pros- tate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. For- tunately, this isn’t the setback it once was. Courses of treatment have advanced greatly. Today, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are achieving a cure, and those who may not are living much longer than ever before. When it comes to prostate cancer, the best treatment option depends on several factors, and chief among these is how advanced the cancer is and how old the patient is. Regard- less, a urologist will be able to take all fac- tors into consideration and talk through the best options. In the early stages of prostate cancer, Even today, no single word stirs a health scare in the hearts of Arkansans like “cancer.” For men, that word is often paired with “prostate.” Leading-Edge Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer there are usually no symptoms. When symp- toms do appear, they may include: • Difficulty or inability to urinate. • Decreased strength of urine stream. • Waking at night to urinate. • Frequent urination. • Painful urination. • Painful ejaculation. • Blood in the urine or semen. • Deep pain in the lower back, abdomen, hip or pelvis. • Loss of appetite and/or weight. • Persistent bone pain. Our specialized team considers the entire course of treatment available to every man facing the prognosis of prostate cancer. Screening for Early Detection Two tests are commonly used to help de- tect prostate cancer: • Aphysical exam (also known as a DRE). • Aprostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The most comprehensive way to detect prostate cancer is to use both the PSA test and DRE. If a doctor is concerned about the results of the PSA test or DRE, additional tests may be recommended. Prostate cancer can only be definitively diagnosed by per- forming a biopsy. A prostate MRI can also be used to image the gland and detect any cancerous lesions.