Prostate Cancer Survival
Prostate cancer survival can be very grim for a lot of people. In fact, prostate cancer is actually the second leading cause of death for those who have cancer. However, prostate cancer survival is not automatically limited even if a person gets that diagnosis. This is because if a person gets tested for the disease early, they have a greater chance of not only beating the condition, but also not getting it again for several years, (if ever).
So, what are some specific numbers associated with prostate cancer survival? Many studies have determined that prostate cancer survival for prostate cancer caught in T1 stages, (the very first stage of prostate cancer) is as high as 98 percent with treatment… (some studies have made the percentage as high as 99). Yet, despite such a positive statistic, only half of potential prostate cancer victims get tested. And some of these potential sufferers are at even greater risk for prostate cancer than others. An example includes African Americans, whose prostate cancer survival rate is 2.5 times less than their white or Asian counterparts. Whether such a phenomenon is due to race or socio-economic factors can be hard to determine.
If the prostate cancer survival rates are greater for individuals who get tested early, why don’t more men, especially those who are more at risk for the disease, get tested? One of the reasons could be pure denial and/or fear at the importance of prostate cancer screening. They may be afraid of what the test results will bring. By not knowing whether or not they have prostate cancer, maybe the problem will go away. Of course, they don’t think such a thought consciously, but even on a subconscious level, it can be the very factor that causes them to be on the negative end of prostate cancer survival rates.
Family members can help ease the fear by getting involved in the process themselves. For example, a son could agree to go with his father during a prostate cancer screening, so he can get the type of ‘male support’ he needs to feel more confident about the process. In fact, the son may even want to consider getting a prostate screening himself, especially if he is older. If this approach doesn’t work, perhaps sharing the overall prostate cancer survival rates might.
What are the best resources for letting a loved one know about prostate cancer survival rates? One of the best is called the Prostate Cancer Survival Handbook. This is an e-book that is distributed by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. It gives a variety of statistics related to prostate cancer survival. Additionally, the e-book gives details on what to expect during a prostate cancer screening. In terms of format, the e-book is actually designed for the purpose of a family member trying to convince a father or another older relative the relationship between prostate cancer survival and getting a prostate cancer screening.
In conclusion, your prostate cancer survival rate can be increased if you get tested early. Particular groups that should be tested include men over 40, (and especially those over 60) and African Americans. But even if you are not among these demographics consider getting tested anyway, so you can have peace of mind.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The kind of treatment a prostate cancer sufferer will face will depend very much upon how the tumors inside your body are developing. Some men don’t get a treatment at all. Most men who have prostate cancer go through a number of stages, watchful waiting, chemotherapy and radiotherapy each of these can be long and painful.
Do I Have Prostate Cancer?
You may think that your prostate is healthy however you could still have prostate cancer. Signs of prostate cancer may not be seen for months after you first develop the cancer. Signs of prostate cancer include problems with erections and ejaculations. If you think for one moment that you may have prostate cancer you should see a doctor immediately!