The Costco Connection - September 2015

By Aisha Langford

DID YOU KNOW that September is National Prostate Health Month? Although it’s not a topic that men may be comfortable discussing, it’s vital to understand how to maintain prostate health and also how to tell if problems are occurring.

The prostate is a walnut-size gland, located at the origin of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. General warning signs of prostate problems include frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, a weak urine stream and pain in the hips, back or thighs.

Here we take a look at three common prostate conditions—prostate cancer, enlarged prostate and prostatitis—and who’s at risk.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men, behind lung cancer. About one in seven men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Fortunately, prostate cancer can be treated successfully when found early. Surgery and radiation therapy are the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer. Active surveillance, formerly called watchful waiting, is also an option for men who don’t want to get treatment right away.

Screening for prostate cancer includes a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam, in which the doctor feels the prostate for lumps and abnormal changes. There are mixed opinions in the medical community about whether all men should get PSA testing because it may lead to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. “The PSA blood test is not perfect, but it is one tool used to detect prostate cancer,” says Dr. Stacy Loeb, a urologist at New York University.

Men should discuss the pros and cons of screening with their doctor, then decide for themselves whether it’s right for them.

Enlarged prostate

When the prostate gland has grown bigger it is
referred to as an enlarged prostate, sometimes called
benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. An enlarged
prostate occurs in most men as they age and can cause
urination problems because the prostate presses
against the urethra, the tube that allows urine to pass
from the bladder out of the body. An enlarged prostate
is not associated with prostate cancer and is typically
treated with medications first. Sometimes surgery is
used to treat an enlarged prostate.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis occurs when there is swelling and irritation of the prostate. An injury to the prostate or inflammation can cause prostatitis, but it’s often the result of a bacterial infection and treated with antibiotics. Prostatitis is less common than prostate cancer and enlarged prostate.

Who’s at risk?

Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk of a man having prostate cancer, especially if a relative died from it and at a young age.

African-American men have a 60 percent higher incidence of prostate cancer than Caucasian Americans and are twice as likely to die from the disease.

Obesity increases the risk of advanced disease and dying from prostate cancer. Working with your doctor to take proactive steps can help prevent or combat prostate problems.

“If you’re exercising, keeping your weight down, eating fruits and vegetables, and eating less red meat, some studies suggest that you may reduce your risk of prostate cancer,” says Dr. J. Brantley Thrasher, a urologist at the University of Kansas Medical Center. C

Aisha Langford is a freelance writer with a background in public health.

The Costco Connection

Adult incontinence products and over-the-counter and prescription medications for prostate health are available in most Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. Healthful fresh and prepared foods are available at Costco warehouses.

for your health

Prostate health
Do’s and
don’ts

Do

1. Exercise, eat well and maintain a healthy weight. 2. Drink lots of water to keep your urinary tract healthy. 3. Perform Kegel exercises for men: Squeeze and hold the muscles used to urinate. Kegel exercises make your muscles stronger and reduce urinary incontinence.

Don’t

1. Take testosterone pills before having your hormone levels checked by a qualified health-care provider.

2. Take prostate vitamins or supplements without discussing with your doctor or pharmacist. They can interfere with other medications.

3. Suffer in silence. Be open with your doctor about prostate problems and concerns.—AL

IS THERE A prostate-cancer-prevention diet? Not exactly.

But there is a long list of nutrients that have been linked to decreasing the risk and/or the progression of cancer, although more proof is still needed.