Prostate cancer is the second leading reason for cancer amongst men in america. Even though it could also be common, prostate cancer is commonly curable, especially if present in its earliest stages. But the issue is that the majority men don’t experience symptoms until the disease has progressed.
That’s why regular prostate cancer screenings are so essential: They’re the very best approach to detect and catch the disease early-on.
But when should prostate cancer screenings start? How often do you have to be screened? And are there any the reason why you shouldn’t get screened for prostate cancer?
We answer all those questions and more.
How do screenings check for prostate cancer?
Today, the first approach to check for signs of prostate cancer in men is thru a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
What’s a prostate-specific antigen blood test?
This prostate cancer screening test measures the extent of PSA in your blood.
PSA is a protein made by cells of the prostate gland. While PSA is generally present in semen, a small amount can also be present in blood. Because the PSA level goes up, so does the possibility of cancer.
However it’s essential to know that the next PSA level doesn’t necessarily mean you might have cancer. Several aspects reminiscent of age, prostate size, sexual intercourse and inflammation can affect PSA levels in men.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
When you’ve had a PSA test and the outcomes show that your levels are high, it’s possible you’ll need a prostate biopsy to work out the cause.
A biopsy is when tissue samples are taken out of your prostate gland. Those samples are then sent to a lab for testing to see if there are any cancerous cells.
However it’s essential to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all process here. If there may be a cancer concern, you’ll work along with your doctor to find out what the very best next steps for you’re, which can include energetic surveillance for a time. Lively surveillance involves close monitoring, but no treatment until testing shows a change in your condition.
What’s the prostate cancer screening age?
PSA tests for prostate cancer often begin at age 45 for African American men, and 55 for many others.
If you might have risk aspects like a family history of cancer or obesity, your doctor may suggest getting screened earlier. They may recommend that you just see a urologist, a health care provider who makes a speciality of diagnosing and treating diseases of the male reproductive system.
That said, the choice to have a PSA test is a person one. Your age, overall health, preferences and the potential risks and advantages of the test should all be considerations. The essential thing is to at the least refer to your doctor about PSA testing at your next preventive checkup.
How often are PSA tests done?
When you and your doctor resolve to go forward with a screening test, the time between future screenings will depend upon the outcomes of the PSA blood test. Men with higher PSA levels ought to be screened annually. Those with lower levels may only must be screened every other yr.
What are the risks of prostate cancer screenings?
Because prostate cancer is commonly such a slow-growing disease, it’s possible that even when the cancer is found, it might not affect the length or quality of your life.
False positives can be a priority. It’s possible to have high PSA levels though there’s no cancer. So, for some patients, screening may result in unclear results and ultimately unnecessary evaluation.
This is the reason it’s essential to speak along with your doctor about whether prostate cancer screenings are best for you. They’ll walk you thru the risks and advantages of screening to assist you to make your decision.
Able to discuss prostate cancer screenings? Schedule a preventive care visit.
Now could be at all times the proper time to maintain yourself. If you might have questions or concerns about prostate cancer screenings, the proper time to discuss them is during your next preventive care visit. So, in the event you’re due for a visit, get it scheduled today.