Men: A simple prostate cancer screening could save your life. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in men. In the early stages, most men have no symptoms, making screenings crucial for detecting prostate cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
The rate of early-stage prostate cancer detection has improved drastically since I was in medical training, thanks to more accurate, reliable testing. The earlier we can detect cancer, the better outcomes and treatment options we have.
When should you begin regular prostate cancer screenings?
The guidelines can vary, though certain men have a higher risk for prostate cancer, including African-Americans and those with a family history of the disease. Your doctor can help you determine the right age to begin prostate cancer screenings.
Trying to prevent prostate cancer is the same approach as most other diseases, especially when it comes to lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, a diet full of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight are your best hopes for protection.
Knowing what behaviors to avoid to care for your overall well-being and prevent disease is important. Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation can also help decrease your chance of developing prostate cancer. Unhealthy eating habits could also put you at greater risk.
What to expect during a prostate cancer screening
For screenings, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help detect possible signs of cancer. Your doctor may decide to evaluate you further if test results are abnormal. Abnormal results don’t always mean cancer has formed in the prostate, and further testing might be necessary to rule out the disease. Additional tests could include a digital rectal exam, MRI of the prostate and further blood and urine tests.
What happens if I’m diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is highly treatable in most stages. For patients with slow-growing, non-aggressive cancer, we may be able to forgo treatment and simply keep a close eye on the cancer.
If treatment is necessary, know that there are many effective options available today.
For more information on prostate cancer, screening options, and providers, visit pardeehospital.org.
