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You may be wondering why a women’s health publication would include an article about prostate cancer. That’s because prostate cancer is common – and many women know and love people with prostates.
The good news is that although prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it is also highly treatable. In fact, if caught early, the survival rate is 99%. This is a great incentive for early detection.
But how many men do you know who are taking proactive steps for their own health?
It’s not just the men you know. A nationwide study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found that three out of five men would rather do household chores than seek medical care, and only half of the men surveyed said they consider an annual checkup a regular part of their self-care.
This is where women come into play. “It’s important to recognize up front that we live in a culture where women are expected to be caregivers,” said Vanessa Walker, two-time breast cancer survivor, patient advocate and founding director of Women’s Health Advocates.
As primary caregivers, women can play a huge role in their partner’s prostate health. And it’s a role that can begin before a health issue becomes a crisis.
Prostate cancer screening
The prostate is a male reproductive organ: a small sperm-producing gland that sits below the bladder. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50. Black men are at higher risk than white men, while Asian American, Hispanic and Latino men are at lower risk than non-Hispanic white men. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk, and the risk increases as more relatives are diagnosed. This is a great incentive for early detection.
For men with lower risk factors, screening usually begins at age 50. A primary care doctor performs screenings at regular checkups, which often include a digital exam—yes, that means a doctor inserting their finger into the rectum for a moment—and a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The PSA test measures a protein enzyme produced by the prostate. If higher than normal levels of this enzyme are detected, it does not necessarily mean that there is cancer in the prostate. Further tests would be ordered to make this determination.
In general, the American Urological Association recommends that men at average risk have a PSA test every two to four years as an initial screening test. However, it also urges us to decide together what is right for each individual.
Read: How shared decision making can lead to better healthcare >>
Prostate cancer symptoms you should be aware of
Since we know that men don’t often take a proactive approach to their health, it’s a good idea for women to be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer – and to let the men they care about know about them too. If you or your partner notice that your partner is experiencing symptoms of prostate problems, encourage them to ask their healthcare provider (HCP) about it.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- The urge to urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas
- Bladder control problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be symptoms of other medical conditions.
Have unpleasant conversations
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Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer can be difficult to talk about, especially when sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction are involved. But these conversations could make a big difference to your partner’s health.
Women can help reduce the stigma by simply acknowledging that these topics may be difficult to discuss. “We can also reduce the stigma for the next generation by having sons,” Walker said. “Start early and make it normal to talk about our bodies and our health.”
This is how you approach your partner
“Let’s face it, the last thing women need is more responsibility. We can make it easy for our families to make good decisions about care and screenings, but we can’t make decisions for them. What we can do is have conversations that encourage our partners to take responsibility for their prostate health,” Walker said.
If your partner isn’t in the habit of undergoing an annual physical exam, these conversations may be met with less resistance if you approach the topic with curiosity and leave out the word “should,” said psychologist Marni Amsellem, Ph.D. “When people hear the word “should,” they feel judged. They are no longer on the same team. The word “could” invites agreement. …Instead of saying, “You should see a doctor,” ask, “Could you start talking to your doctor about your prostate or any problems with aging?”
A direct but sensitive approach is always a good approach. Walker said she and her husband strive to have “open, honest and difficult conversations,” but sometimes a partner’s encouragement can be interpreted as nagging.
“If he gets upset that I’m bugging him about the PSA test, that’s an opportunity for me to say, Hey, I sense you’re upset. I don’t want to nag you. Are you interested in learning more about why this is important to me and how it can be important to you?”
According to Walker, most people want the people they love to be the healthiest version of themselves. “We obviously can’t make decisions for them,” Walker said. “We can tell them what we want and then ask them what they want. I want to let my partner know that I come from a place where I love him, I care about him, and he is my best friend.”
This educational resource was created with support from Bayer and Merck.
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