HJAR May/Jun 2024

40 MAY / JUN 2024 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN UROLOGY 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. Prostate cancer, along with a wide range of other diseases, can af- fect a man’s well-being in myriad ways. For example, prostate cancer treatment can alter a patient’s hormones, eating habits, weight, mental health, and more. Integration of care is important because it enhances commu- nication and collaboration among profes- sionals and doctors, which creates the best possible outcome and can greatly improve the overall health of the patient. Communi- cation is truly key. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most com- mon cancers among men in the U.S., and there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, when symp- toms do develop, they often mimic those of less serious diseases. For example, symp- toms 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 screen- ing every year, and men should start receiv- ing 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 phy- sicians should work together to encourage patients to “check all of the boxes”and keep up with their necessary exams. Motivating men to stay up to date on all of their screen- ings, whether you’re a primary care physi- cian or a specialist, can help men live longer and healthier lives in the long run. Some men who undergo treatment for prostate cancer are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Sometimes, pros- tate cancer has also spread to other parts of the body by the time it’s diagnosed. This is exactly why a urologist should work with not only the patient’s PCP, but with other Men’s Health: Integration of Care 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.