What’s your game plan for a healthy prostate?

Did you know that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime? Prostate cancer is not only a serious disease but is also a leading cause of cancer death in men.

The good news? There is no question that testing can help find many prostate cancers early but you should talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be tested. He or she will help you develop a plan that best meets your personalized needs.

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) or a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. According to the American Urological Association, “when interpreted appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer patients. But not all prostate cancers are life-threatening. The decision to proceed to active treatment or use surveillance for a patients prostate cancer is one that men should discuss in detail with their urologists”.

Visit HackensackUMC.org or to find a physician please call (855) 996-WELL (9355) To learn more about our GAMEPLAN for Prostate Health, visit HackensackUMC.org/Prostate. HackensackUMC Urology.

Game Plan for a healthy prostate:

1. Know the Fundamentals: The prostate is a gland involved with male sexual function and urination. It is the size of a walnut and is located directly under the bladder, in front of the rectum.
2. Know the state: One in six men in the United States will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.
3. Know the score: It is very important to have a regular prostate check with your doctor to make sure there are no abnormal lumps or bumps, possibly indicting the first sign of prostate cancer. In addition, a PSA blood test may detect the presence of prostate cancer. An increase in PSA levels may also be caused by an enlarged or inflamed prostate.
4. Know the Opponent: There are 3 major health problems associated with the prostate: Prostate enlargement-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-Prostatitis-inflammation of the prostate-Prostate cancer
5. Know your team history: Men with a history of prostate cancer in their family are at higher risk of developing for prostate cancer themselves. Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 40 but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. In addition, race plays a role in prostate cancer with some men having a higher risk of prostate cancer.
6. Fuel for Performance: Evidence suggests that choosing a healthy diet, low in fat and full of fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
7. Stay in Peak Form: Men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Being obese increases your risk of prostate cancer.
8. Prepare a Training Regimen: Studies of exercise and prostate cancer risk have mostly shown that men who exercise may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
9. Talk to your Coach: Some men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. For men with a higher risk of prostate cancer, there may be other options for risk reduction. If you think you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer discuss it with your doctor.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the HackensackUMC Urology Game Plan to Your Health pamphlet. Please call the above number for more information.