Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. It occurs when abnormal cells develop in your prostate gland, located below your bladder, in front of your rectum.
Are you at Risk?
Anyone can get prostate cancer, but some men may be more at risk than others. Your risk of prostate cancer increases if you:
- are over 55
- are African American
- have a father, brother or grandparent who has had prostate cancer
- have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer
- are overweight or obese
Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes prostate cancer has no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine
- frequent, urgent need to pass urine, even when there is only a small amount
- burning during urination
- chills and high fever
- low back pain or body aches
- pain low in the belly, groin or behind the scrotum
- sexual problems and loss of sex drive
Keep in mind that men can have prostate changes that cause symptoms like those above but aren't because of cancer. Tell your Primary Care Provider if you have any of these symptoms.
When to Get Screened
In many cases, providers can successfully treat prostate cancer if they catch it early. That's why screening is so important. In general, experts recommend annual prostate cancer screening for men aged 45 and older. Tell your doctor about your risk factors to find out if you need screening sooner.
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard plans cover preventive screenings at no added cost through in-network providers and facilities.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
Don't have a PCP? Use Provider Finder® to find one. If you need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment, talk to a Personal Health Guide. Chat in the BCBSTX App or call 1-866-355-5999, 24/7.
The Fitness Program
You can't change most risk factors for prostate cancer, like age, family history and ethnicity. Start with what you can control, like lifestyle changes:
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit dairy, red and processed meat, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.
- Get regular physical activity.
Your health plan gives you much more than just coverage for doctors' visits. It includes a variety of programs to help you take a well-rounded approach to your health and wellness at little to no extra cost.
Well onTarget®
Start working with a wellness coach and sign up for self-guided digital courses on managing stress, improving your fitness level and dietary habits, losing, or maintaining weight, and improving cholesterol and blood pressure.
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare
Find a Provider
Search to find an in-network doctor, hospital or other health care provider in your area. Remember, your plan covers one physical exam and one wellness visit per calendar year. You can ask your provider to combine the visits into one convenient annual care appointment.
Rally CoachTM
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy foods, getting regular physical activity and quitting smoking can help reduce your cancer risk. With Rally Coach, you can tap into an online and live coaching support programs that provide access to a variety of digital health and wellness courses that will help you live a healthier, happier life at no added cost. For Rally Wellness Coaching, call 1-800-478-1057, TTY 711 or go to rallyhealth.com/retiree.
SilverSneakers
Staying active is essential to achieving optimal wellness. As a TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participant, you have access to SilverSneakers, a fitness and lifestyle program, at no added cost. What does SilverSneakers include?
- Memberships to thousands of fitness locations — visit as many times as you wish
- Group exercise classes for all abilities — fun activities outside the gym
- SilverSneakers On-DemandTM — online workout videos with tips on fitness and nutrition
- SilverSneakers LIVE — virtual classes and workshops throughout the week
- SilverSneakers GOTM mobile app
- Get started today. Visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632, TTY 711.