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Prostate cancer symptoms, survivorship, and risk factors

The prostate is a gland in the male body that aids in reproductive health. Like any other tissue it can develop cancer in time.  
 
This makes advancing age one of the primary factors in development of prostate cancer. In addition, black men are at a higher risk than any other ethnicity. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and family history.  
 
It is recommended that men over the age of 50 have a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test every two to four years. Individuals with pre-existing risk factors should talk to their doctor about screening as early as age 45.  
 
Fortunately, there are varied courses of treatment for prostate cancer and survivability is very high if it is detected early.  

More information on prostate cancer and UTMB Health services available to treat the condition are available online. 

 

To learn more, watch full video below with Dr. Darpan Patel, vice dean of Research and Scholarships with the UTMB School of Nursing. 

Prostate cancer treatment options

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 out of every 41 men will die of it.

These statistics are why members of the UTMB Health Urology team are so passionate about spreading information about the sometimes-silent disease.Headshot of Dr. Laith Alzweri, male physician wearing white coat, black-frame glasses, a light blue shirt and a red and white tie.

"When they are aware of the disease, men are more likely to seek help from physicians and have conversations about it,” says Dr. Laith Alzweri, surgeon and associate professor within the Department of Surgery’s Urology Division. 

Dr. Stephen Williams, a clinical leader and professor within the departments of Surgery and Radiology, wants patients to know that if they do end up with a positive diagnosis for prostate cancer, there’s lots of options for next steps, but it’s key to have a care team you can trust to guide you throughout the process.

Dr. Stephen Williams on prostate treatment options

 

Here for patients from diagnosis through survivorship, the UTMB Health Men's Health team is passionate about ensuring patients don’t just survive, but that they thrive before, during and after treatments they receive. 

“Life doesn’t end or stop when you have cancer,” he says.