Common myths of men about prostate cancer – Life Health

Prostate cancer is common in men, but lack of awareness and misconceptions about the disease make it difficult to treat.

Myth 1: Cancer Prostate disease of “old people”

Although prostate cancer is more common in men over the age of 50, it can also affect younger men. The risk of developing this condition increases with age. Other risk factors for this condition include family history, being overweight, your overall health, and lifestyle.

Myth 2: You can’t get cancer if you don’t have symptoms

In fact, the absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of a condition. Prostate cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms in its early stages. It is usually diagnosed during a routine physical exam.

Symptoms begin to show as the disease progresses and include: difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and problems with maintaining or getting an erection.

Myth 3: Cancer grows slowly so there’s no need to worry

It is true that prostate cancer is usually slow growing and in most cases it is confined to the prostate gland. However, in some cases, cancer cells grow and spread to nearby organs and tissues.

It can also spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph nodes. Therefore, early detection and treatment is paramount in the case of prostate cancer to avoid complications.

Myth 4: Genetic factors are the main cause of prostate cancer

Having a true family history of prostate cancer can actually increase your risk of developing the condition. But family history isn’t the only factor that increases prostate cancer risk. Your lifestyle, health, body weight, and age are all common risk factors to consider when you consider your risk of developing this cancer.