Breaking Down The Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. In the course of their lifetime, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The risk of prostate cancer must be monitored and tested regularly, but how should you use a prostate cancer risk calculator? What are the implications of the results?

Discover the fundamentals of prostate cancer risk, testing, and prevention by continuing to read.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

The number of men affected by prostate cancer in the United States alone exceeds 200,000. In fact, about one in 41 men will succumb to prostate cancer. In order to save lives, it is important to understand the disease, know the risk factors, and emphasize early detection. When you are diagnosed early, you have a better chance of living a longer and more fulfilling life. You can detect prostate cancer by observing these symptoms:

Difficulty urinating
Hematuria
Weight loss
Bone pain
Signs of erectile dysfunction
Blood in semen
Persistent back pain, hip pain, or pelvis pain

Suggested: 5 Signs of an Enlarged Prostate

Now that you know some of the symptoms of prostate cancer, let’s discuss some of the risk factors that increase your chances of developing this disease. An important risk factor for men is their age. Over the age of 50, men are significantly more prone to develop prostate cancer. In fact, approximately six out of ten cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 and older.

In order to remain healthy, it is essential to maintain your wellness because many diseases can go undetected if you do not undergo regular medical examinations. Here at USOC, we offer a Men’s Health Guide that can be downloaded for free to keep your health in check and to maximize your vitality. Click here to access your free download.

Other risk factors to consider are race and obesity. Specifically, African American men are twice as likely as caucasian men to die from prostate cancer, whether it is low-grade or high-grade. Compared to caucasian men, African-Americans and other racial groups are more inclined to develop metastases, or secondary malignant growths. The risk of developing prostate cancer also increases if you have a close relative who is affected by the disease. The same applies to obesity. Being overweight can sometimes be a hereditary condition, which increases your chances even further.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Several factors need to be taken into account when determining the appropriate time for prostate cancer testing. A man’s chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age, so it is essential that he gets ahead of things as soon as possible. In general, the CDC recommends that men between the ages of 55 and 69 who are at average risk undergo routine PSA screenings. Men over the age of 70 should not undergo routine medical examinations, as the purpose of screening is to detect cancers at high risk. It is less likely that men in this demographic will benefit from prostate cancer treatment since the disease typically grows slowly.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

There are several options when it comes to treating prostate cancer. The most commonly conducted tests are PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and DRE (digital rectal examination). Although there is no official prostate cancer test, PSA remains the most reliable. Tests for prostate-specific antigens measure the amount and concentration of antigens in the bloodstream. The number may be elevated by other conditions, so it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine your score.

The DRE is essentially a physical examination during which the health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the prostate to feel the prostate. In recent years, technological advancements have made it possible to conduct further research in the area of prostate health. Most doctors use MRI technology to assess the overall health of the prostate prior to a biopsy, but a PSA test as well as routine self-examination are recommended for early detection.

What’s a Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator?

In order to assess your risk, a variety of prostate cancer risk calculators are available. Many of these calculators use a similar set of questions. Even though these calculators can be useful when assessing your own health, you should be aware that they cannot replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. Consider the following questions when using one of the prostate cancer risk calculators:

Have you ever undergone a prostate biopsy?
How old are you?
What is your ethnicity?
Is there a family history of prostate cancer?
Abnormal DRE Results
What is your PSA level (ng/ml)?
What is your free PSA? (%)?

Now that you are aware of the specific questions to expect from the prostate cancer risk calculator, here is a list of some of the assessments provided by the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation (SWOP) Rotterdam:

Risk Calculator 1
Risk Calculator 2
Risk Calculator 3 through 6 is available, but is intended to be used by your urologist.

Run for a Cause with USOC

A thorough understanding of all risk factors and preventive measures is imperative when it comes to prostate cancer. Join USOC for the annual ZERO Prostate Cancer 5k on October 29th in Charlotte, NC.

Participating in the race or making a donation can make a significant difference. The ZERO Prostate Cancer 5K not only raises funds, but also shares hope and declares one number above all others: ZERO. Through the 5K, you will be able to show your love for the patients and help them and their families by providing emotional and financial support. Raising awareness about this illness and bringing hope to survivors across the board is vital. To get started, click the button below. We look forward to hearing from you!

ZERO Prostate Cancer 5K