What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

It’s no secret that men need to pay more attention to their health. Because the issues they face, like prostate cancer, can be treated and potentially even cured with early diagnosis, it’s important to have regular check-ups and screenings with a healthcare provider.

Board-certified North Oaks urologists Stephen Graham, MD, and Brad Lake, MD, with Northshore Urological Associates, specialize in diagnosing and treating urinary tract disorders in men and women, including urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, kidney stones and trouble with urination. They also focus on the care of the male reproductive system, including prostate health, infertility and vasectomy. In addition, they diagnose and treat urological cancers, including adrenal, prostate, bladder, ureter, testicle and penile.

Men are affected by the same diseases that can affect anyone — heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, depression. Still, they can experience unique issues such as prostate cancer, prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction.

“Many major health risks men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle; for example, making healthy eating choices, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. However, there are some diseases, like cancer, that we cannot prevent. And many risk factors, such as age, race and family history, are completely out of our control. That’s why we strongly encourage regular check-ups and screenings to help spot diseases or other health issues early when they are easier to treat,” Dr. Lake shared.

Prostate health is particularly important since prostate cancer is one of men's most significant health risks. About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, making it the most common cancer in men, other than skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but it is treatable and potentially curable when caught early.

Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and non-Hispanic Black men. Age-based screenings are an essential part of a man’s overall health. In general, prostate cancer screening is recommended for men beginning at age 45. Screening for younger men and Black men should also be considered based on increased risk factors, including family history.

Northshore Urological Associates can diagnose and treat men of all ages, utilizing advanced technology and imaging known as MR Fusion to more effectively and proactively detect prostate cancer. Their skilled providers are also trained to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures using the da Vinci® robotic surgical system to treat prostate and urological cancers. In addition, they offer non-surgical treatment and therapy options.

But the first step in men's health is scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider by calling 985-230-2778. 

“We understand that health issues can sometimes be uncomfortable or even embarrassing to talk about. But men especially need to do a better job of educating themselves on the health issues that are unique to us and prioritizing our healthcare needs. The ability to enjoy our lives to the fullest requires regular check-ups and screenings to maintain our health and prevent future issues from occurring,” Dr. Graham emphasized. 

Northshore Urological Associates is a clinic of North Oaks Health System, treating patients in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.