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You may be wondering why an article about prostate cancer appears in a women’s health publication. 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 detected 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?
This doesn’t just happen to men. A nationwide study by the Cleveland Clinic found that three in five men would rather do housework than seek medical care, and only half of those surveyed said they consider an annual checkup a regular part of caring for their well-being.
This is where women can make a difference. “It’s important to recognize early on that we live in a culture where women are expected to be caregivers,” said Vanessa Walker, a two-time breast cancer survivor, patient rights advocate and principal founder of Women’s Health Advocates.
Because they are considered primary caregivers, women can play an important role in their partners’ prostate health. And it’s a role that can begin before a medical problem becomes a crisis.
Tests to detect prostate cancer
The prostate is a male reproductive organ: a small sperm-producing gland beneath the bladder. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, especially after age 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 family members receive the diagnosis. This is a great incentive for early detection.
For men with lower risk factors, testing usually begins at age 50. A GP will include tests in regular check-ups, which often include digital rectal exams (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 levels of this enzyme are above normal, it does not necessarily mean that prostate cancer is present. To determine this, further tests will be ordered.
In general, the American Urological Association recommends using PSA as an initial screening test every two to four years for average-risk men, but strongly recommends making decisions together to figure out what’s right for each person.
Read: How shared decision-making can promote better healthcare >>
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer to Monitor
Since we know that men often don’t take the initiative when it comes to their health, it’s a good idea for women to know the symptoms of prostate cancer and share them with the men they love. If you or your partner have noticed that your partner is experiencing symptoms of prostate problems, encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider (HCP) about it.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- The need to urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the hip, 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.
unpleasant conversations
iStock.com/Mayur Schon
Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer can be serious, especially when they relate to sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction. But these conversations could make a big difference to your partner’s health.
Women could reduce stigma by simply recognizing that these issues can be very sensitive. “We can also reduce stigma for future generations by having children,” Walker said. “It starts early and becomes normalized to talk about our bodies and our health.”
How to address this with your partner
“The last thing women need is more responsibility. We can make it easier for our family members to make good decisions when it comes to testing and prevention, 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 annual testing, these conversations might elicit less resistance if you approach the topic with curiosity and avoid using the word “should,” said psychologist Marni Amsellem, Ph.D. “When people hear the word “should,” they feel like they’re being judged. They feel that the person advising them is against them. The word “could” invites you to participate. Instead of saying, “You should make an appointment with the doctor,” try “Could you start talking to your doctor about your prostate or other problems that come with age?”
It is always advisable to use a direct but sensible method. Walker said she and her husband try to have “open, honest and difficult conversations,” but sometimes a partner’s motivation can be interpreted as nagging.
“If he gets upset because I’m pressuring him to get a PSA test, that’s an opportunity to say, Hey, I’m sorry you’re upset.
According to Walker, most people want their loved ones to be in the best possible health. “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 tell my partner that I’m doing this because I love him, that I care about him, and that he’s my best friend.”
This educational resource was created with support from Bayer and Merck.
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