Supporting Men’s Health at Yonge + Eglinton Pharmacy
- guara77
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in North America. We are committed to educating men about screening, prevention, and treatment support so that they take charge of their health.
The significance of prostate cancer awareness
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Canadian men. If detected early, prostate cancer is completely treatable. The challenge is that symptoms may not appear in the early stages or may be very mild. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful and proactive—talk to your doctor and ask about regular exams. Early detection can truly save lives!
After age 50: risk is increased.
Family History: It's important to discuss routine screening with your doctor if a close relative (like your father, brother, or son) has ever had prostate cancer.
Ethnicity: Black men (those of African or Caribbean heritage) have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity: A higher chance of more aggressive (high-grade) prostate cancer is connected with a higher body fat percentage.
Tall adult height: increased risk can arise from a number of variables that cause long adult height, including genetics and rapid childhood growth.
Signs to look out for
Weak urine flow or trouble peeing
Urinating a lot, especially at night
Urinating with pain or burning
Blood in semen or pee
Chronic discomfort in the hips, pelvis, or back
See a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms!
How do doctors test for prostate cancer?
A physical examination may include a digital rectal exam (DRE). In order to measure the prostate's size and form and feel for any lumps, your doctor will put a gloved finger into the rectum.
The PSA test is simple and quick to complete:
A tiny sample of blood is drawn from your arm.
The blood will be sent for a lab test
Once the results are ready, your doctor will review them and consider your risk factors, medical history, and age.
Your physician can recommend that you see a urologist to check for prostate cancer. A urologist is a physician who focuses on treating conditions of the prostate and other genital and urinary tracts.
There are many methods to determine prostate cancer. For instance:
A biopsy, in which a needle extracts tiny tissue samples to search for cancer cells.
Imaging procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, or bone scans may be utilized.
Are the tests covered by OHIP?
If you don’t have OHIP coverage, you can pay a physician or nurse practitioner directly, and they can order the test for you.
How Yonge + Eglinton Pharmacy can help
We support our patients by guiding them through the healthcare system and providing prescriptions for minor ailments.
Private Consultations: Our pharmacists are on hand to have private conversations regarding men's health, prescription drugs, and adverse drug reactions.
Medication Support: We can assist with medication administration, reminders for refills, and advice on side effects if you are receiving treatment.
Health Resources: We provide patients with access to trustworthy information and neighbourhood support services
This article was published by Yonge + Eglinton Pharmacy
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca) and Statistics Canada (https://www.statcan.gc.ca).
Comments