Prostate Cancer by the Numbers: Why Early Detection is Essential?
Did you know that 1 in 3 men in the US have or know someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer? This rises to 2 in 5 among men aged 35-44. Prostate cancer symptoms, particularly bladder leakage, are increasingly common among younger generations, yet awareness and proactive screening are still often overlooked.
Catching any issues early is the best way to ensure a healthier future. That’s where regular screenings, like blood tests or prostate exams, come in. These screenings help your doctor to spot anything unusual going on with your prostate, so they can take the necessary next steps if needed.
But we get it – prostate exams can feel a bit awkward, and that’s totally normal. And while talking prostate health may not be included in a casual conversation with your friends, TENA MEN is here to make the conversation easier. First, let’s dive into some eye-opening statistics.
Prostate Cancer is more common than you think
You’d think with how common prostate cancer is, more people would know about it – but that’s not the case. A surprising 23% of US men don’t even know where the prostate is located. 53% of US men have not been screened for prostate cancer, with this figure exceeding 60% among those under 55.
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland start growing uncontrollably. In the early stages of prostate cancer, some common symptoms could be difficulty urinating or stopping urination, in the advanced stages of the disease incontinence can be common due to obstruction of the urethra or it can be caused as a side effect of prostate cancer treatment (prostate cancer surgery).
81% of US men have experienced at least one sign of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer in the last 12 months, including 17% reporting difficulty urinating and 12% reporting bladder leakage.
The good news? Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to lower risk of prostate cancer.
Beating Prostate Cancer
Beating prostate cancer starts with being proactive. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings and healthy life choices are your best defense. Prostate cancer grows slowly so regular screenings can catch problems before they become more serious or harder to treat.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about risk factors and whether you should start screenings earlier (for example, if you have family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors).
Product and Support Resources
TENA MEN – Product Resources
For men experiencing bladder leakage due to prostate health issues,
Additional resources
Local Urology or Cancer Centers
If you are ready to get screened or need more personalized advice, consult a local urologist or cancer center. Many hospitals and clinics offer free screenings or have specific days dedicated to prostate cancer awareness and testing.
You can find urologists or prostate cancer screening services by searching the following: