Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but the good news is – it’s also one of the most successfully treated through both conventional and holistic prostate cancer treatment. Prostate cancer develops in the walnut-shaped gland that is responsible for producing semen and transporting sperm. Many men and some women question, can prostate cancer spread. Although it’s not always the case, this type of cancer is typically slow-growing. It lingers in the prostate gland without spreading or causing major damage.
However, if prostate cancer is left untreated, it will eventually destroy the prostate tissue and spread to local and distant organs. The best thing you can do is be proactive, take control of your health, and be familiar with any changes going on in your body. With that said, regular checkups are important, but you can also do this yourself.
If you’re wondering how to check for prostate cancer at home, the best thing you can do is know what symptoms to look for and stay knowledgeable about what the four stages of prostate cancer are.
How to Check Prostate Cancer at Home
When you’re checking for prostate cancer, it’s important to know the symptoms. When you’re aware of the signs, prostate cancer can be caught early. Because prostate cancer doesn’t typically show signs early on, prostate cancer testing typically involves a PSA blood test or digital rectal exams.
Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
There are typically five major warning signs of prostate cancer; however, as cancer progresses, symptoms typically involve the urinary system. Because the prostate is located close to the urethra and bladder, symptoms might include:
- Frequent urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- The urge to urinate frequently at night
- Blood in the urine or seminal fluid
- Erectile dysfunction (new-onset)
- Pain or burning during urination (a less common symptom)
- Discomfort or pain while sitting down (caused by an enlarged prostate)
- Coughing or loss of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hip or back pain
- Leg swelling or weakness
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms. And if you do catch any of these symptoms, try not to panic. These particular symptoms can often have to do with a non-cancerous prostate problem, as well as bladder infections.
Types of Prostate Cancer
It’s important to know that there are also several different types of prostate cancer. The most common types found in prostate cancer patients include:
- Acinar adenocarcinoma – Cancerous cells or tumors that originate in the gland cells lining the prostate gland. This accounts for the vast majority of cases of prostate cancer.
- Ductal adenocarcinoma – Begins in the cells that line the prostate gland’s ducts. It’s a more aggressive and more invasive form of adenocarcinoma.
- Transitional cell cancer – Also known as urothelial cancer, this starts in the cells that line the urethra. While it can begin in the prostate, it most commonly starts in the bladder and then spreads to the prostate.
- Squamous cell cancer – A quickly developing and spreading cancer cells that grow on the flat cells covering the prostate.
- Small cell prostate cancer – A form of neuroendocrine cancer that is composed of small round cells.
What Tests Detect Prostate Cancer Early?
Because prostate cancer can’t necessarily be detected at home, it’s a good idea to learn about the tests that provide early detection. Keep in mind that these tests can’t decipher whether or not you have prostate cancer, and following the test, your doctor will most likely suggest a prostate biopsy. If you’re wondering how to check for prostate cancer at home, your best bet (aside from knowing the signs and symptoms) is to leave it to your healthcare professional.
PSA Screening Blood Test
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is made by the cells of the prostate gland. PSA testing is a common method to test for prostate cancer. PSA is found in semen, with a small amount in the blood. Men without prostate cancer often have PSA levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood. An elevated PSA level increases the likelihood of having prostate cancer (however, having a level below 4 does not mean a man doesn’t have prostate cancer).
The American Cancer Society reports that men with a total PSA level of between 4 and 10 have roughly a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer. With a total PSA of over 10, the chance of having prostate cancer rises to over 50%. Following the PSA test, if the levels are high, a doctor may suggest a repeat screening test or a prostate biopsy.
In addition to prostate cancer, there are many other factors that can affect a man’s PSA levels.
Reasons for a High PSA:
- Enlarged prostate: An enlarged prostate can be caused by conditions like BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
- Age: As men get older, it’s normal for PSA levels to slowly rise (even if there are no prostate abnormalities).
- Prostatitis: Infection or inflammation of the prostate gland, known as prostatitis, can also raise PSA levels.
- Ejaculation: Ejaculation can make the PSA fluctuate. For this reason, doctors advise men to abstain from ejaculation a day or two before the PSA test.
- Bicycle Riding: Because the bicycle seat puts pressure on the prostate, some studies have shown that cycling may cause PSA levels to rise.
- Urologic procedures: Some urologic procedures (like a prostate biopsy or cystoscopy) can lead to higher PSA levels for a period of time. Some studies have also shown that a digital rectal exam (or DRE) might also raise these levels.
- Medicines: Certain medicines, like testosterone or other medicines that raise testosterone levels, might cause a rise in PSA.
Reasons for a Low PSA:
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Some drugs that treat BPH or urinary symptoms, like finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart), might lower your PSA levels.
- Herbal mixtures: Certain mixtures and dietary supplements might hide a high PSA level. For this reason, let your doctor know what you’re taking and any sort of supplements you might be using.
- Obesity: Obese men often have lower PSA levels.
- Aspirin: Some research suggests men who regularly take aspirin have lower PSA levels.
- Statins: Statins, also known as cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor), have been associated with lower PSA levels in users.
- Thiazide diuretics: Some diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (a type of water pill often used to treat high blood pressure) have been linked to lower PSA levels.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
In addition to the PSA blood test, your doctor might also perform a DRE. Although a digital rectal exam might be a bit uncomfortable, it’s not uncommon. During this prostate exam, the doctor will insert a finger into the rectum to feel around for bumps or hard spots on the prostate, as these could indicate cancer. Because prostate cancer often begins near the back of the gland, doing this prostate exam allows doctors to feel for any abnormalities. Typically, the exam is short and not painful for the patient.
If you’re wondering how to check for prostate cancer at home, the best thing you can do is to stay in tune with your body. Know when there are changes to your urinary patterns. If you find yourself needing to urinate more frequently at night or if you find you have a weak or interrupted urine flow, these might be signs of prostate cancer. Blood in the urine or semen is another symptom, as is erectile dysfunction. You might also feel pain when sitting down, brought on by an enlarged prostate.
When you notice these symptoms, make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately for prostate cancer screening. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, know that this type of cancer is curable and that life after treatment can be bright and positive. However, before you start treatment, you have to do prostate screening to identify the severity of the cancer.
Limitations and Accuracy of At-Home Prostate Cancer Tests
When learning how to test for prostate cancer at home, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. An at-home prostate cancer screening test, like those that measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, can provide useful insights but aren’t fully reliable. Results may be impacted by non-cancerous conditions, and the test result alone doesn’t confirm cancer.
If your at-home prostate health test suggests an issue, it is important to consult a doctor for a more thorough evaluation. Your physician may recommend a prostate cancer screening test like a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) or a biopsy to ensure accuracy.
If you’re concerned about your prostate health or unsure how to check your prostate at home, seek medical advice immediately, as early detection is essential.
Alternative Cancer Treatments
At Immunity Therapy Center, we offer holistic and alternative prostate cancer treatments such as chelation therapy. We work with natural cancer treatment options to bring a bounty of health to the body, the mind, and the spirit. We focus on immunotherapy to strengthen the entire immune system while also fighting the cancer cells.
Each case is unique; that’s why we focus on a combination of specialized treatment options and customized plans at our holistic cancer treatment center. Dr. Bautista will not prescribe any cancer treatments or alternative therapies until he has completed a thorough consultation and evaluation. He will then tailor a treatment specifically to your body based on previous medical treatments, prior therapy, medical and family history, and the cancer type and stage.
If you’re curious about the types of prostate cancer natural treatment we offer, feel free to reach out today. We believe that patients with a positive outlook see positive results. We look forward to starting a natural, holistic, integrative treatment program with you soon.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/symptoms-and-signs
- American Cancer Society. Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/early-detection/tests.html
- American Cancer Society. Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/early-detection/tests.html
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.