Quality Care for Prostate Cancer in Northern California

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor in the prostate gland. It is the second most common cancer affecting men in the US after skin cancer. Cancer screenings, including a blood test to check your PSA (prostate specific antigen) level, can help your doctor detect prostate cancer early.

Dignity Health North State offers tests to diagnose and stage prostate cancer in Northern California. The results of these tests will help your doctor determine the best treatment recommendations for you. Find a Doctor to schedule an appointment.

 

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, certain factors increase your risk of developing it, including:

  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • African American race
  • Smoking
  • Age — the average age at diagnosis is 66
  • Not exercising

 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Screening tests often find prostate cancers early before symptoms develop. Screening tests include a PSA test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Advanced stage prostate cancers can cause symptoms including:

  • Sudden urges to urinate
  • Bloody semen or urine
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Difficulty having an erection
  • Pain in the pelvis, hips, or back
  • Stop-and-start or weak urine flow
  • Inability to urinate or difficulty starting to urinate
  • Frequent urination, especially at night

It’s important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or enlarged prostate may also cause many of the same symptoms. BPH is a noncancerous condition commonly found in older men.

 

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options at Dignity Health North State

Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your age, general health, symptoms, the stage of your cancer, and the risk of it spreading. 

Standard treatment options at Dignity Health North State include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Biologic therapy
  • Watchful waiting, delaying treatment in slow-growing cancers

You can trust our cancer care teams to help you through every step of your journey with prostate cancer, including diagnosis, staging, treatment, and recovery.