Sep 18, 2019

Prostate Cancer & Preventative Screenings For Men Under 50

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month — and while most of the conversation around prostate cancer focuses on men over 50, younger men have just as much reason to pay attention.
By - Benancio Martinez, MS, APRN, FNP-C

The Facts About Prostate Cancer

Every year, 3 million men are affected by prostate cancer worldwide. The risk increases as men age, which is why regular screenings are strongly recommended for men over 50.

But age alone doesn't tell the whole story.

What About Men Under 50?

Are regular screenings still important for younger men? Absolutely.

During your annual exam at The Y Factor, earlier prostate screenings may be recommended if you have a family history of prostate cancer. This is an important consideration — family history is one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, and it doesn't wait until you turn 50.

There is another critical reason why regular checkups matter regardless of age: prostate cancer symptoms are often silent. Many men have no symptoms at all until the cancer has advanced. The only way to detect it early — when it is most treatable — is through regular screening.

The Annual Urological Wellness Exam: Starting at Age 20

The Y Factor recommends that men begin their Annual Urological Wellness Exam at age 20. Men's health needs change over time, and annual appointments allow us to monitor those changes and address issues early — long before symptoms develop.

Your annual exam at The Y Factor includes a physical examination and comprehensive laboratory testing. We screen for a wide range of male-specific conditions, including:

We also monitor blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol — all of which play a significant role in long-term male health.

Don't Wait for Symptoms

The most important thing to understand about prostate cancer — and many other male health conditions — is that waiting for symptoms is waiting too long. Annual exams exist precisely to catch what you can't feel yet.

Whether you are 22 or 48, staying consistent with your annual wellness exam is one of the most proactive steps you can take for your long-term health.

Serving Houston and the Surrounding Areas

The Y Factor provides annual urological wellness exams and prostate cancer screenings to men across the greater Houston area, including Katy, The Woodlands, Tomball, Sugar Land, Cypress, Spring, Pearland, Friendswood, and League City.

Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam at The Y Factor

For more information about prostate cancer screening, visit our Prostate Issues page or give us a call. Our team is here to help you stay ahead of your health — at every age.

Women have OB-GYNs. Men have The Y Factor.

Call us today or book online. Same-week appointments available in Houston.

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Frequently
Asked Questions

  • Should men under 50 get prostate cancer screenings?

    Yes. While routine prostate cancer screenings are strongly recommended for men over 50, earlier screenings may be recommended for younger men with a family history of prostate cancer. The Y Factor evaluates your individual risk during your annual wellness exam.

  • Why is prostate cancer screening important if I have no symptoms?

    Prostate cancer symptoms are often silent — many men have no warning signs until the cancer is at a more advanced stage. Regular screening is the only reliable way to detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

  • When should men start getting annual wellness exams?

    The Y Factor recommends starting annual urological wellness exams at age 20. These exams cover a broad range of male-specific health concerns including sexual dysfunction, testosterone decline, fertility problems, genital cancers, sexually transmitted diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

  • What does a family history of prostate cancer mean for my risk?

    Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer. If a close relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your provider at The Y Factor may recommend earlier and more frequent screenings than the standard guidelines for men over 50.

  • What is included in The Y Factor's Annual Urological Wellness Exam?

    Your annual exam includes a physical examination and laboratory testing covering sexual dysfunction, testosterone decline, fertility problems, genital cancers, sexually transmitted diseases, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol — a comprehensive picture of your male health at every stage of life.

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