| Tuesday, June 26, 2007 |
| PROSTATE CANCER: SCREENING VALUE STILL BEING DEBATED |
A common screening test for Prostate Cancer for men after age 50 involves measuring prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood in conjunction with a digital rectal exam. It is important that an examination be done along with a PSA blood test since 25% of early prostate cancers are detected because of an abnormal examination in men with a normal PSA.
PSA levels may be elevated in the blood for reasons other than cancer including benign enlargement of the prostate and infection. Nevertheless, the combination of the PSA blood test and a prostate examination is currently the best way to detect early prostate cancer.
While it has not been proven conclusively that prostate cancer screening reduces mortality; the death rate from prostate cancer has decreased significantly in the past decade, and this is most likely due to earlier detection. Men age 50 and above are advised to discuss this screening test with their physicians. What is not open to debate is the fact that African Americans men and women with a family history of prostate cancer are at increased risk. The recommended age for initiating screening for this population is 40.
(Source: HEALTHY ATTITUDES Summer 2007 issue) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 3:04 PM |
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| About Me |
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Name: infraternam meam
Home: Chicago, United States
About Me: I am now at the prime of my life
and have been married for the past 25 years.
Sickly at times, but wants to see the elixir vita,
so that I will be able to see my grandchildren from my two boys.
See my complete profile
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