How to manage my uncle's prostate cancer urinary symptoms?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 50-year-old uncle has a family history of prostate cancer and has recently experienced urinary changes, including frequent nocturnal urination and pelvic pain. Should we be concerned about these symptoms? What tests would you recommend to evaluate the possibility of prostate cancer? Additionally, if prostate cancer is detected early, what are the available treatment options?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is no need to worry. Your symptoms are likely related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, and not prostate cancer. However, it is important to begin prostate cancer (a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid) screening once you reach the age of 40 and above.

You should enroll in a prostate cancer screening clinic with a urologist. They will typically recommend the following:

A simple blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
A digital rectal examination (DRE) for clinical assessment.

Additionally, your urologist may refer you for genetic counseling. Genetic testing can help identify inherited gene variants, such as BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1), BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2), and HOXB13 (homeobox B13 gene), which are associated with hereditary prostate cancer. Men with variants in these genes have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

If prostate cancer is detected early, treatment options such as surgery (removal of the prostate gland) or radiation therapy may be considered. However, in rare cases, for very early-stage and low-grade prostate cancer, a "wait and watch" approach may be recommended.

Consult with your urologist for personalized advice and guidance.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.