Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer care in Alexandria, Louisiana
We aim to help you overcome prostate cancer by detecting it as early as possible.
The prostate gland produces fluid in semen. Cancer of the prostate occurs when abnormal cells in this fluid form a tumor. At Rapides Regional Medical Center, we work to find, evaluate and address prostate cancer, so you can lead the healthiest life possible.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
In its earliest stages, prostate cancer often presents without symptoms, which can make it challenging to detect. However, as your condition progresses, there may be some visible signs, including:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Burning or painful urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, mainly at night
- Lower back, hip or thigh discomfort
- Painful ejaculation
- Pressure or pain in the rectum
- Trouble maintaining an erection
Our prostate cancer services
We provide access to personalized care that speaks to your needs, and our specialized doctors perform critical diagnostic tests to identify and assess prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer risk factors
You may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer because of various factors, including:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Family history
- Geography
- Race
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is:
- At least two times more likely in men whose father or brother has already had it
- Diagnosed in one in eight men during their lifetime, but rare for those under the age of 40
- Most prevalent in individuals over the age of 50, with 60 percent of positive tests found in men ages 65 and older
- One of the most common cancers found in American men, second only to skin cancer
- Seen more in African American men than others
Prostate cancer impacts North America more than any other region. However, per the ACS, there are more than 3.5 million men in the United States who are still alive today following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Diagnosing prostate cancer
Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, so early detection is critical for receiving the best possible treatment outcome.
To confirm a diagnosis, we can perform a variety of tests, including:
- Biopsy – A sample of tissue is taken from the prostate and examined to check for abnormalities.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) – During this exam, our physician inserts their lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities of the prostate.
- Prostate health index (PHI) – This newer, more precise blood test may better distinguish an aggressive cancer from one that's lower risk. It accomplishes this by using a mathematical formula to calculate a PHI score, which provides key information on the likelihood of cancer and helps determine if a biopsy is necessary.
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) – This test is used to measure the level of PSA in the blood. A high level of PSA might indicate problems with the prostate, including cancer.
An abnormal age-adjusted PSA test, or DRE, can be an indication of prostate cancer. However, your initial results don't necessarily mean cancer is present. Abnormal findings should be followed by a biopsy of the prostate cells to determine if they are indeed cancerous.
Our cancer care program
At our facility, we provide advanced care for prostate cancer in an inpatient or outpatient setting, depending on the extent of your condition. Our oncologists effectively perform chemotherapy, radiation or surgery to treat cancer, as well as continuously deliver education and support during and after your treatment. Through our dedicated oncology program, we are proud to connect you to financial counseling, nutritional guidance and information on our cancer support groups.