HJAR May/Jun 2022

48 MAY / JUN 2022 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN UROLOGY When it comes to treating a variety of men’s health conditions, it’s important that physicians of all backgrounds work together for the benefit of the patient. While a urologist’s primary focus is on urology, it’s crucial that specialists also pay attention to a patient’s overall health from a general standpoint. Men’s Health: INTEGRATIONOFCARE PROSTATE CANCER, along with a wide range of other diseases, can affect a man’s well-being in myriad ways. For example, prostate cancer treatment can alter a pa- tient’s hormones, eating habits, weight, men- tal health, and more. Integration of care is important because it enhances communica- tion and collaboration among professionals and doctors, which creates the best possible outcome and can greatly improve the over- all health of the patient. Communication is truly key. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most com- mon cancers among men in the United States, and there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Howev- er, when symptoms do develop, they often mimic those of less serious diseases. For example, symptoms can include frequent urination, sexual dysfunction, lower back pain and loss of appetite. It’s important that men over the age of 50 receive a prostate cancer screening every year, andmen should start receiving annual exams even earlier if they’re at a higher risk of developing the disease. The problem is that most men are hesitant to regularly see a urologist, which is why physicians should work together to encourage patients to “check all of the box- es”and keep up with their necessary exams.