El Paso, Texas (KFOX14) \u2014 Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, but a Texas Oncology physician says finding it early can make a major difference.<\/p>\n
Dr. Evangelia “Eva” Valilis, M.D., MPH, a physician with Texas Oncology,<\/a> joined Daytime to discuss when men should begin talking with a health care provider about screening, which symptoms should prompt a medical visit and how the practice works to keep cancer care close to home.<\/p>\n \u201cProstate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men,\u201d the physician said. \u201cIf it\u2019s caught early, it\u2019s super treatable.\u201d<\/p>\n The physician said five-year survival is close to 100% when prostate cancer is caught early and treated appropriately.<\/p>\n When to start the screening conversation<\/p>\n The physician encouraged men to begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their primary care provider around age 50.<\/p>\n That conversation may need to begin earlier, around age 45, particularly for men with a family history of prostate cancer.<\/p>\n The segment emphasized starting a conversation with a health care provider rather than waiting for symptoms. A provider can review a patient\u2019s health and family history, discuss whether testing is appropriate and determine what follow-up may be needed.<\/p>\n Symptoms that should be evaluated<\/p>\n Possible warning signs discussed during the segment included pain during urination, urinating very frequently and blood in the urine.<\/p>\n The physician also said prostate cancer that has spread can affect other parts of the body. The disease can spread to the bones and cause bone pain.<\/p>\n Those symptoms do not establish a cancer diagnosis on their own. The physician advised patients to see their primary care doctor when symptoms do not improve or do not have a clear explanation.<\/p>\n If prostate cancer is a concern, the next step may include an evaluation by a urologist.<\/p>\n Keeping cancer care close to home<\/p>\n