As you progress into your middle age years, you may start to worry about your risk for certain kinds of cancers. You might even start to wonder if any of your common health complaints could be signs of cancer.

You do not want to hinge your health on your own lack of medical knowledge. Instead, you can find out your risk and get treatment for prostate cancer when you undergo an exam at a local healthcare clinic.

Determining Your Risk

When you become a patient of a healthcare clinic, you can find out what your risk is for developing prostate cancer. This type of cancer might run on one or both sides of your family, for example. Your doctor at the clinic may ask you how prevalent this illness is in your family and whether or not your father, brother, cousins or any of your uncles suffered from it.

Based on the information you provide, you could help your doctor determine if and at what point you should undergo screenings for prostate cancer. You may be able to find out early if you have this illness and be able to get prompt treatment for it.

Diagnosis of Symptoms

The doctor you see at the healthcare clinic may also be able to tell you if any symptoms you experience could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. For example, you might have a weak or slow urine stream. You also may be unable to empty your bladder all the way or suffer from sexual dysfunction. 

You might wonder if these symptoms could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Your doctor can perform an examination and order blood work and scans to find out if you have prostate cancer or another condition that causes those symptoms.

Specialist Referrals

Finally, the doctor at the healthcare clinic you go to may refer you to a specialist if you are at risk of or found to have prostate cancer. You may need a referral for your healthcare insurer. Your doctor can make sure you get referred to a doctor that takes your insurance and can provide prompt treatment for prostate cancer.

You may find out whether or not you are at risk for or have prostate cancer at a trusted local medical clinic. Your physician can determine your risk based on your family medical history. This medical provider can also make a diagnosis based on symptoms you experience and refer you to a prostate cancer specialist if needed.

To find out more, contact a company like Affinity Health Group.