Despite the fact that it affected more than 175,000 men in 2013, prostate cancer is still under-discussed and misunderstood. That leaves many people insufficiently equipped to recognize the signs and deal with the condition adequately. No matter your gender, it's in your best interest to understand the truth about prostate cancer. Everyone can benefit from the information, especially if it means early detection for those affected.

Prostate Cancer Can Affect Any Age Group

A lot of people believe that prostate cancer only affects those in their later adulthood, which leads many younger adult men to overlook the symptoms. It's important that men of all ages be attentive to the risks of prostate cancer, because it can occur at any time, especially if you have any additional risk factors.

You Don't Need A Family History To Be At Risk

You may think that you're not at risk of prostate cancer because nobody in your family has ever had it. The truth is, there are a number of things that will directly affect your risk of developing the disease. Your lifestyle can affect your risk significantly, as can your overall physical health and your age. With so many different things that can directly affect the risk, your family history is just a small segment of the consideration. That's why it's important that you have routine screenings, even if you don't believe that you're at a significant risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Doesn't Always Have Obvious Symptoms

You might believe that there's no way you could have prostate cancer if you don't have any obvious symptoms. The fact is that the disease may not come with any symptoms at all at first. And, sometimes you do have symptoms but have dismissed them as being related to something else. For example, one common early sign of prostate cancer is frequent urination. Another is pain and stiffness in the lower back. These are pretty general symptoms that you may dismiss as the result of increased liquid consumption or a strain in your back at work. Routine screenings can often detect prostate cancer before any significant symptoms are apparent, and the sooner you identify it, the better your chances are of recovery.

Knowing the truth about prostate cancer is an important part of recognizing the problem before it becomes severe. If you have any concerns about your health, talk with your doctor right away. He or she can refer you to a urologist who will help you figure out the source of your symptoms and find the best treatment plan. For more advice, contact a urologist at a medical center like Advanced Urology Associates.