The prostate is a gland that only people assigned as male at birth have. It is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main function is to add fluid to semen and then push the semen through the urethra. If there is a concern that a loved one may have prostate cancer having an observant home care provider who can help you determine if your loved one is struggling with some of these symptoms will help.
Who gets Prostate Cancer?
Because the prostate is only found in male bodies, only people assigned as male at birth can develop prostate cancer. It is more common in older men and with regular examinations, it can usually be found at the localized stage, where it hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. African-American men run a higher risk of developing the disease, as well as those who have a close family member, such as a brother or father, who have had the disease. Most men develop the disease once they are past their 60s.
Routine Screening is the Best Defense
The truth is that most men are diagnosed before showing any symptoms. The disease is usually detected by routine doctor visits and early screening tests. This is why it’s so important that your loved one stays on top of his preventative care and receives all of his recommended screening tests. When possible, you should attend visits to his doctor to make sure he understands the importance of screening.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
If the cancer has progressed, your loved one might begin to show symptoms. He might be quiet about some of them and try to “ride them out,” hoping they’ll disappear in time.
Here are some symptoms your loved one may report to you or his home care provider may notice if he has prostate cancer. Keep in mind, many of these symptoms can be brought on by other conditions so reassure your loved one that getting them checked out might help to rule out cancer.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms in Men
The need to urinate more often, especially at night. If your loved one says he’s not sleeping well, ask why. If getting up to urinate is interrupting his sleep, encourage him to go get it checked out so he can sleep better.
Difficulty urinating. Prostate cancer can make urinating difficult and frustrating. Your loved one may express that there is pain or burning when he urinates. Another problem is simply starting the urination process. Even though he feels the need to urinate, he might not be able to start or finish well. Your home care provider may hear groans and moans from the bathroom and should ask follow-up questions after your loved one finishes.
Erectile and ejaculation issues. While not always a comfortable topic to discuss, if your loved one mentions any blood in his semen or pain while ejaculating, he should talk to his doctor about those uncomfortable symptoms.
Lower back pain that is chronic and travels down to his hips and upper thighs. He might also feel very stiff in those areas as well.
Many times, elderly individuals let painful symptoms last too long as they experience discomfort discussing them. Find who your loved one is most comfortable talking to, whether it’s you, his doctor, or his home care team, and encourage him to always alert others when he’s feeling pain or discomfort in any area of his body.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Boston MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today. (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn MA, and surrounding areas.
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