Complete Care for Prostate Cancer in Central California

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor in your prostate gland. It is the second most common cancer affecting men in the US after skin cancer. However, with early detection and treatment, most men survive prostate cancer. 

To screen for prostate cancer, your doctor will do a blood test to check your PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels. Your doctor will also order tests to determine if the tumor has metastasized (spread) beyond the prostate. Your test results, along with the staging of prostate cancer, will help your doctor create your personalized treatment plan. 

Receive the trusted cancer care you deserve at Dignity Health Central California. We are dedicated to personal care with a healing touch, from early detection to treatment for prostate cancer in Central California. To request an appointment, use our search tool to Find a Doctor at one of our locations:

• Mark Twain Medical Center
• Memorial Hospital
• Mercy Hospitals
• Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center in Merced
• St. Joseph's Medical Center

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

There is no single known cause for prostate cancer. While any man may develop prostate cancer, certain factors increase your risk, including:

• African American race
• Lack of exercise
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Age over 65
• Smoking

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancers are often found early, before symptoms even develop. Screening tests include a PSA test and a DRE, or digital rectal exam. Symptoms are usually caused by more advanced stages of prostate cancers. Prostate cancer symptoms may include: 

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

These symptoms can be signs of other conditions, such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This is a common, noncancerous problem that can occur in men as they get older. To get an accurate diagnosis, visit your doctor.

Treatment Options at Dignity Health Central California

Our expert oncologists will create a personalized treatment plan based on several factors, including your age, general health, and symptoms, as well as the stage of your cancer and the risk of it spreading. Standard treatment options for prostate cancer include: 

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Biologic therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Cryotherapy, or freezing the prostate tissue
• Watchful waiting, which means delaying treatment until the cancer changes in any way

See a doctor at Dignity Health Central California today to learn more about our personalized treatment options, offered with humankindness.

Oncologists at Dignity Health Central California help men of all ages prevent, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.