In the United States, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and the second leading cause of male cancer death. One in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and one in 36 will ultimately die of prostate cancer. However, appropriate screening and early detection has allowed for very successful treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer with more than 2 million American men currently diagnosed and living with prostate cancer today.As always, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of maintaining an open and honest discussion with your doctor when considering prostate cancer screening. The goal of screening is early detection when our treatments are most successful. A recent study from Europe demonstrated a 20% decreased risk of death from prostate cancer among men who were screened. Today, more than 90% of prostate cancers are detected early and confined to the prostate. Treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer can be extremely successful with greater than 90% cure rates. The key is early detection and finding the treatment that suits you and your particular cancer the best.
In 2009, the American Urologic Association (AUA) updated prostate cancer screening guidelines following a comprehensive review of all available data by a panel of experts in the field. The recommendations hinge on the AUA’s belief that the decision to screen for prostate cancer is one that a man should make with his doctor following a careful discussion of the risks and benefits of screening. In well-informed men who wish to be screened, the AUA recommends checking a PSA level along with a digital rectal exam (DRE) starting at the age of 40.
What is PSA?
PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen, is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Its level is measured with a simple laboratory blood test and serves as an important marker for several prostate diseases, including prostate cancer. It is important that your prostate cancer screening include both a PSA test and a digital rectal exam as it is possible to have prostate cancer with a low PSA. If your PSA level is elevated or steadily rising, or if you have an abnormal digital rectal exam, a prostate biopsy may be recommended. Prostate biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that can usually be performed in your urologist’s office and is generally well tolerated. The biopsy will determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present in the prostate.
As mentioned before, the key to successful management and treatment of prostate cancer is early detection. Early detection allows for successful treatment of prostate cancer with greater than 90% cure rates. The goal of early detection is to reduce death from prostate cancer and ultimately save lives. Prostate cancer screening allows for early detection of prostate cancer.
