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Prairie du Chien, WI - With any type of cancer, early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. The board-certified team of urologists at the Crossing Rivers Health Center for Specialty Care endorse the following guidelines for early detection of common urologic cancers in men.

• Prostate cancer: Cancer of the prostate is the second most common cancer in American men, according to the American Cancer Society, and the third leading cause of cancer death in men. The recommendation is to begin screening at the age of 40. Screening involves a PSA blood exam and a digital rectal exam.
• Bladder cancer: Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cause in men. Bladder cancer typically develops mid-to-late in life. There is not currently a routine screening for bladder cancer, however, blood in the urine is often one of the first signs. If blood is detected in the urine, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a member of the urology team.
• Kidney cancer –Kidney cancer is more common today because the number of cases is increasing and it is being detected earlier. Signs may include blood in the urine, low back pain on one side, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Tests that the urology team can utilize to detect kidney cancer include a urine test or imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans.
• Testicular cancer- Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, ages 15 – 35, and is one of the most treatable cancers, especially if caught early. Most of the time, a lump on the testicle is the first symptom, or the testicle might be swollen or larger than normal. In the last 50 years, treatment has changed radically in terms of overall success increasing the mortality rate from the 40% range to less than 3%.

Lab and imaging tests are conducted at the Crossing Rivers Health medical center in Prairie du Chien, along with robotic-assisted surgical oncology. Urology appointments can be made by calling the Crossing Rivers Health Center for Specialty Care at 608.357.2525. To learn more about urologic cancers or request an appointment online, visit crossingrivers.org/urologic-cancer.

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