What Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Prostate cancer is extremely common, but too many men ignore it, making something very treatable to very deadly. Be proactive with your health and avoid the consequences failing health can have on loved ones.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It can be highly treatable in the early stages, but too many men ignore symptoms until the cancer has already progressed.
According to the CDC, about 97% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive five years later. Often, many men die of other causes without experiencing any cancer symptoms.
Live Long Enough Most Men will Have Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. The gland is located at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut. At some point, a man will get prostate cancer if they live long enough. Age is a significant factor as 80% of men who reach age 80 will have prostate cancer.
The CDC reports that there are several different symptoms of prostate cancer; however, some men do not have symptoms at all. Here are common symptoms all men should pay attention to:
Blood in the urine or semen.
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Difficulty starting urination.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
Pain or burning during urination.
Painful ejaculation.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
The CDC urges any man with any of the symptoms to see their doctor right away. Men who are ages 55 to 69 years old should be screened for prostate cancer with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
In 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) made the following recommendations about prostate cancer screening.
Screening and Check-ups Highly Recommended
Most medical experts agree that screening for prostate cancer is something all men should do. For every man diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is usually a wife or partner for whom that diagnosis will also mean a life change.
Taking proactive action for your health is vital for every man and their loved one's well-being. Age is the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer, and once we get into our 50s, we experience declines in health, body, and mind.
A 2000 survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund reported that more than half of all men had not had a physical exam or cholesterol test. Regular check-ups and lab work, diet and exercise, and planning for the costs and burdens of aging should be part of being prepared. The older you get, the more likely you will need help with daily living activities or supervision due to memory loss.
Being Prepared for the Consequences of Aging
Just like you should have a retirement plan, you should have a plan for your health and future long-term health care. The costs of long-term health care services are increasing, and those costs will have an adverse effect on your family and finances.
There are consequences that everyone should be prepared for as we get older. Imagine needing care and seeing your adult children's lives interrupted as they become your caregiver. What you have an unbudgeted bill of $4000 to $10,000 a month to pay for long-term health care, how would that change your lifestyle and legacy?
For many American families, Long-Term Care Insurance is the affordable solution offering guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access to quality care options and control. Your assets are preserved, and your family has the time to be family instead of being your caregiver.
LTC NEWS answers many of the most asked questions about long-term health care planning here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Learn more about your options on LTC NEWS.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Too many men still ignore their health and avoid going to the doctor for regular check-ups. Experts say that many men resist getting medical help, even if they are not feeling well or in a lot of pain.
Perhaps the same can be said about men and the risk of long-term health care. Many men think this is not an issue - they will just die. The facts show otherwise.
Today we live and survive health events. The advances in medical science add to a long life but also, inadvertently, increase the risk of needing long-term health care services.
The consequences on your family and finances are substantial. It is worth being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging. Like it or not, there is a good chance you will have a long life. With long life is a significant risk of needing help with daily living activities or supervision due to dementia.
Be prepared and avoid the stress on your loved ones and the financial costs of expensive long-term health care services. Affordable LTC Insurance is the solution. An LTC policy gives you control and access to your choice of quality care options, including care at home.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions about long-term health care planning and LTC NEWS answers many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Need Help Now for Mom or Dad?
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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