Prostate cancer has many similarities to breast cancer.  In the first place, it is detectable using a prostate self exam.  Secondly, it is gender specific (although it is possible for males to develop breast cancer, it is exceedingly rare).

Third, it is among the most common of deadly cancers.   Finally, the prostate, like the breast, is located in a location that is not frequently talked about.

It is recommended that men aged fifty and older receive a yearly prostate or prostatic exam.  However, since the long term prognosis is directly proportional to how early the cancer is detected, conducting a prostate self exam can give you added precious time if the cancer develops in between your regularly scheduled exams.

A prostate self exam is surprisingly easy to accomplish, though it may take a bit of will power to get over the natural tendency to avoid the part of the body where the prostate is located.  The prostrate gland is very easy to reach as it lies less than a finger length away from the rectal sphincter, but the really hard part is convincing yourself that probing into the rectum is a good idea.

This takes a bit of mind work–aren’t a few moments of being uncomfortable worth it if those few moments make the difference between catching the cancer early or late?

To perform a prostate self exam, simply insert the index finger into the anus and feel for a fleshy mass.  It should have the same consistency as the skin between your thumb and index finger when making a tight fist.  A healthy prostate is firm but not hard.

Gently massage the prostate, carefully feeling for any hard lumps.  If you detect a lump, do not panic–it’s probably not cancer and, if it is, at least you caught it early.  Call your physician and ask for a comprehensive prostate exam.

Doing a prostate self exam may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they can mean the difference between terminal and treatable prostate cancer.  A few minutes of discomfort can save your life.