According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It can grow slowly or aggressively, or there may be no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Doctors are not entirely sure of what causes it, but it does begin with irregularities in a cell’s DNA. It’s essential to understand the risk factors and increase public awareness about prostate cancer. Sometimes, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not treated swiftly. The urologists at Uromedix, a division of Genesiscare, LLC, want to help educate men, women, and their families in Aventura and throughout South Florida about the importance of yearly examinations. Luckily today, with the many advances in cancer research, prostate cancer can be treated successfully with non-surgical options and can be cured if detected early. Referred to as “the silent killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms, it is the second leading cause of death among American men claiming 1 in 41 lives annually, with lung cancer being the first.

What are the risk factors associated with prostate cancer?

  • Race–African American males are 60% more likely to get the disease.
  • Family History–Men with a family history of the disease—typically a father, son, or a brother
  • Age–Your risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Men over 50 are at greater risk.
  • Obesity– People who are obese may have a greater risk of prostate cancer than someone with a healthier weight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer that’s more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Slower force in the stream of urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Bone pain
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Erectile dysfunction

Robotic Surgery With Minimal Scarring and Pain

Today, thanks to the wonders of medical science and on-going cancer research, there are some very effective minimally invasive treatments available to treat prostate cancer. Some can help maintain normal sexual function and urinary function without the debilitating side effects that can sometimes be associated with traditional prostate surgery. One of these minimally invasive surgical options called Da Vinci® Prostatectomy is referred to as robotic surgery for prostate cancer. It allows surgeons to operate with minimal incisions, less blood loss and scarring, and requires a shorter hospital stay.  Another treatment called “Microwave Therapy,” that can be done as a single session in a doctor’s office, uses heat to shrink benign prostate tissue.

Early Detection and Annual Visits Save Lives

The good news is that although prostate cancer is a very serious disease, most men diagnosed with it early do not die from it. The compassionate urologists at Uromedix stress the importance of early detection and annual visits. This leading physician group has offices in Aventura, Pembroke Pines, and Hialeah.  In their comfortable, state of the art offices,  they treat other medical concerns such as overactive bladder and incontinence issues, kidney stones, urinary infections, herniated testes and perform vasectomy reversals with a very high rate of success. You can find out more by calling (305) 466-9127 to make an appointment in one of their three convenient locations. We explicitly follow all Covid-19 protocols according to CDC guidelines.