The most widely used method for screening men for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Increased levels of PSA could indicate the presence of cancer. Some men benefit more from the test for early detection of prostate cancer than others. Those with a 10-year life expectancy benefit more from screening compared to men with shorter life expectancies. Men at a high risk for prostate cancer, especially those with a family history of the disease and those of African-American descent, should consider screening.
Some prostate cancers are treated aggressively while others like slow-growing types are being managed through active surveillance. MRI tests are used to detect potentially life-threatening prostate cancers accurately. The recommendations for prostate cancer early detection from the American Cancer Society states that all men have a chance to make informed decisions on whether to be screened for prostate cancer. Their decisions should be made after knowing about the risks, uncertainties and potential benefits of screening. The recommendations state that screening should be performed at: • The age of 50 for those men at average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live for another 10 years • The age of 45 for all men who are at high risk of developing the disease. This includes men who have a relative (brother, father or son) who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age and African-American men • The age of 45 for men at very high risk including those with more than one family member diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age Most men will undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test as well as the digital rectal exam (DRE) as part of the screening. The healthcare provider can make a screening decision for those who are indecisive as long as they take into account their values and general health preferences. The results of the PSA blood test will determine the future screening of the patient if not found with prostate cancer. The overall health status of the patient is important when making screening decisions. The men should be updated frequently on the benefits and risks of testing for prostate cancers before the screening
0 Comments
|
AuthorAs the founder and medical director of the Prostate Seed Institute Dr. Gregory A. Echt. His vision to provide the most modern treatment, non surgical treatments for prostate cancer in various locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth continues to succeed. Now date, he has made a therapy for prostate implantation seed at over 2,500 men, including urologists and oncologists. Archives
December 2019
Categories |