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Category: Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Screening: Why Getting Tested Matters

Posted on by William Brant, MD in ,

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men — and one of the easiest to miss. In its earliest stages, prostate cancer typically causes few or no symptoms, which means many men feel completely healthy while the disease quietly develops.

That’s why routine screening plays such an important role in early detection. Screening helps identify prostate cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment options are broader and outcomes are strongest. Even if nothing feels wrong, getting tested can make a meaningful difference in long-term health.

Prostate Cancer Often Has No Early Symptoms

Unlike many health conditions, prostate cancer usually does not cause noticeable warning signs in its early stages. Changes in urination, discomfort, or pain — symptoms that many men associate with prostate problems — often don’t appear until the cancer is more advanced.

Waiting for symptoms to show up can delay diagnosis and limit treatment options. Screening allows prostate cancer to be detected before symptoms begin, when it is most treatable and often curable.

Many Men Delay Medical Care, But Screening Is Still Essential

It’s common for men to put off doctor visits, especially when they’re feeling well. Busy schedules, discomfort with medical exams, or the belief that “nothing feels wrong” can all lead to delays in care.

Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t wait for symptoms to appear. Feeling healthy doesn’t always mean everything is fine. Routine screening can detect early changes that would otherwise go unnoticed, giving you valuable time and more options if treatment is needed.

Screening Helps Catch Prostate Cancer When It’s Most Curable

When prostate cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and often curable. Early-stage prostate cancer typically grows slowly and can be managed effectively with careful monitoring or targeted treatment.

Prostate cancer screening allows your urologist to:

  • Detect cancer before symptoms develop
  • Monitor prostate health over time
  • Identify changes that may require further evaluation

Early detection empowers patients and physicians to make informed, proactive decisions — often before the disease becomes more serious.

What Does Prostate Cancer Screening Involve?

Prostate cancer screening typically includes:

  • A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, which can help identify changes in prostate health

In some cases, screening may also include:

  • A digital rectal exam (DRE)

Your urologist will consider factors such as your age, family history, overall health, and personal risk to determine the most appropriate screening plan. Because screening recommendations can vary, an individualized conversation with a urologist is an important part of the process.

See a Urologist Before Symptoms Start

Waiting until symptoms appear before getting screened can delay diagnosis and treatment. Seeing a urologist for routine prostate health evaluations allows potential concerns to be identified early — often before they become serious.

Regular screening is especially important if you:

  • Are older than age 50
  • Have a family history of prostate cancer
  • Are at increased risk based on personal or genetic factors

A urologist can guide you through screening options, answer questions, and help you decide on next steps with clarity and care.

Take a Proactive Approach to Your Health

Prostate cancer screening isn’t about assuming something is wrong. It’s about becoming more informed and staying ahead of any issues. Early detection saves lives, and screening offers peace of mind or the opportunity to act early, when treatment is most effective.

If you have questions about prostate cancer screening or aren’t sure when to get tested, schedule a visit with a urologist. Call our team today at Board-certified urologist, William Brant, MD, FACS, FECSM in urology clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah to book an appointment and take a proactive step toward protecting your long-term health.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Prostate Cancer

Posted on by William Brant, MD in ,

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but when detected early, it is often treatable, with many patients going on to live long, healthy lives. Understanding the early signs of prostate cancer, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing when to seek medical advice are essential steps in improving the chances of successful treatment.

Below, we take a look at the key symptoms of prostate cancer, the risk factors involved, and the diagnostic tests that can help detect the condition early.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages, which is why early detection is so important. There are different types of prostate cancer, but most cases are adenocarcinomas, which begin in the glandular cells of the prostate.

While prostate cancer can be serious, especially when it spreads beyond the prostate, many men with early-stage prostate cancer can be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, or other therapies.

Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer can help ensure that you seek medical attention sooner, potentially leading to better outcomes. Some of the most common symptoms associated with prostate cancer include:

  • Frequent Urination: This is especially noticeable at night, a condition known as nocturia. Frequent urges to urinate may indicate an enlarged prostate or other issues related to prostate health.
  • Difficulty with Urination: Men with prostate cancer may experience trouble starting or stopping urination. The urine stream may be weak or interrupted, and it may take longer to empty the bladder fully.
  • Painful Urination or Ejaculation: Pain or a burning sensation while urinating or during ejaculation can be a sign that the prostate is affected.
  • Blood or Semen In Urine: Blood or semen in the urine is a concerning symptom that should be investigated immediately.
  • Persistent Pain in the Lower Back, Hips, or Pelvis: Pain in these areas can sometimes indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, but it can also occur in the early stages. Any unexplained or persistent pain should be taken seriously.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Understanding these risk factors can help guide decisions about screenings and preventive measures:

  • Age: Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 50. The risk increases significantly with age, with men over 65 at higher risk.
  • Family History: A family history of prostate cancer can increase your chances of developing the disease. If a father or brother has had prostate cancer, you may be at greater risk.
  • Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
  • Race: African American men are at higher risk for prostate cancer, and they tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.

When to See a Urologist

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or if you fall into a higher risk category, it’s important to consult with a board-certified urologist like Dr. William Brant. Early detection of prostate cancer is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, it’s still important for men over the age of 50 (or younger if they have risk factors) to discuss screening options with their doctor. Regular screening can help detect cancer before symptoms appear, potentially leading to earlier, more effective treatments.

Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer

Several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of prostate cancer and assess its severity:

  • PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, although other conditions, like benign prostate enlargement, can also cause high PSA levels.
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormal lumps or hard areas on the prostate.
  • Biopsy: If the PSA test or DRE suggests prostate cancer, a biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.

Prostate Cancer Screening in Salt Lake City

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer and understanding the risk factors involved can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment. If you experience symptoms like changes in urination, pain, or blood in urine or semen, don’t wait to contact Board-certified urologist, William Brant, MD, FACS, FECSM at (801) 965-2767.

Regular screenings and consultations with a urologist are key to early detection, which is crucial for the successful management of prostate cancer. If you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, be proactive in discussing your screening options and potential next steps.

Dr. William Brant Discusses Prostate Cancer on KUTV

Posted on by William Brant, MD in

Dr. William Brant joined Fresh Living on KUTV to discuss prostate cancer treatment options and the importance of an early diagnosis. Dr. Brant is proud to be a part of the Granger Summit Urology team who is partnering with Zero Prostate Cancer to help promote early detection and provide support to prostate cancer survivors and their families. You can watch the whole interview on KUTV’s website.

Prostate Cancer

 

 

Schedule a Prostate Cancer Consultation in Salt Lake City

Dr. Brant’s Men’s Health Clinic in Salt Lake City today and get the best in male urological care. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality of care and treatment to our patients. Call (801) 965-2767 now to book your appointment and learn more about the prostate cancer treatment options available to you. Don’t wait any longer, take control of your health today!

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Life After Prostate Cancer: What Can You Expect?

Posted on by William Brant, MD in

Prostate cancer has a high survival rate, and for most men, the treatment can completely eliminate the cancer.

doctor holding light blue ribbon.However, although completing your cancer treatment is definitely a reason to celebrate, life after prostate cancer can be a little bit challenging.

The good news is that many of the side effects of surgery, hormones, and radiation therapy are temporary. Even if the side effects don’t go away on their own, there are other treatments and procedures medical professionals can recommend to increase your quality of life.

We asked our urology specialist, William Brant, MD, FACS, FECSM, all about life after prostate cancer. Read on to find out what side effects you may experience, as well as what management therapies can counteract these side effects.

Side effects of radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy, or the surgical removal of the prostate gland, stops cancer from spreading. While this surgery is life-saving for many, it can pose some challenges throughout the recovery.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common side effect of prostate surgery, although typically it is mild or even goes away within a few months. If you’ve had your prostate removed, you may experience stress incontinence, which means you may leak urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.

Some people experience stress incontinence only in the first three months after the surgery, whereas others may experience it for longer and may benefit from pelvic floor exercises. If the urinary incontinence persists (for around 10% of men after prostatectomy), you also have the option of implanting a male sling[this should link to the sling portion of the website] or an artificial sphincter, depending on your situation and the severity of the incontinence.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common side effect of the surgery. All men who undergo a prostate removal will experience ED for at least a short period, due to nerve mobilization during the prostatectomy. However, if you experience persistent issues, Dr. Brant can determine which treatment method can best help you return to a healthy sex life.

He may recommend one or a combination of the following:

  • Medications
  • Penile injections
  • Penile implants
  • Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy
  • Vacuum erection device (VED)

Side effects of radiation therapy

After completing radiation, you may see a change in your bowel movements anywhere between two to six weeks. You may also notice a burning sensation or other issues when you urinate, erection dysfunction, fatigue, and lymphedema (swelling around damaged lymph nodes).

Dr. Brant is here to help recommend the best treatment methods for your symptoms, with a focus on noninvasive treatment methods such as training exercises to strengthen specific muscles and lifestyle changes.  Side effects such as erectile dysfunction have many solutions that he can offer.

Side effects of hormone therapy

Androgens stimulate cancer cell growth, so many people undergoing cancer treatment also need androgen deprivation therapy.

However, when the production of androgens is partially blocked, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Hot flashes
  • Low libido
  • Growth in breast tissue (gynecomastia)
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Erectile dysfunction

The good news is that after you’re done with androgen deprivation therapy, your body may return to producing enough androgens on its own. Your age, lifestyle, and overall health play a role in how long it takes for your androgen production to normalize.

Learn more about life after prostate cancer

Beating prostate cancer is difficult enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath of the treatments as well. Dr. Brant specializes in helping prostate cancer survivors get much-needed treatment for side effects related to urinary and sexual health.

Contact our Salt Lake City, Utah, office by calling 801-207-7922 or by sending a message on our website to learn how you can experience a smooth and healthy recovery after prostate cancer.

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