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Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer among men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1-in-7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with more than 160,000 new cases estimated for 2017 alone.
Prostate cancer screening tests, such as the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, allow doctors to detect the disease in its earliest stages, before symptoms appear, increasing the odds of a patient making a full and complete recovery.
Here are six excellent reasons why you should have a prostate screening…
1. Screening tests may detect prostate cancer early: Men should begin screening tests, such as the digital rectal exam and the PSA blood test, at age 50. Those who are in a higher-risk category, especially those with male relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, should start screenings at age 40, explains Mark Monsour, M.D., urologist with Dayton Physicians Network. “Prostate cancer definitely is more prevalent in older men. However, we see a good amount of cases in younger men, as well. The youngest case I’ve seen was in a 38-year-old male,” said Dr. Monsour.
2. The tests are quick and easy: The PSA is a blood test that requires a simple draw. The digital rectal exam, which allows the doctor to check for any abnormalities of the prostate, may not be an experience that most put at the top of their “fun things to do” list, but it is simple and effective in its purpose.
3. Testing can uncover prostate cancer before the symptoms appear: One of the most worrying aspects of prostate cancer lies in the fact that, in its earliest stages, there often are no symptoms. “If left undetected, the disease can then spread to the lymph nodes and bones. The prognosis is mostly good for men who have been screened and their disease caught early, before symptoms appear,” explained Dr. Monsour. “However, some men might experience things like pain and/or burning when urinating, blood in the urine, and difficulty starting or holding back urine, which could indicate the presence of prostate cancer.”
4. Prostate cancer is easier to treat and is more likely to be cured if it is diagnosed in the early stages of the disease: For men with early stage prostate cancer, treatment options typically include surgery, radiation therapy, and active surveillance.
5. Sometimes, knowing is better than not knowing: Knowledge is power. Having the screening tests can provide you with the comfort of knowing either you don’t have prostate cancer, or you do have it and can now go about treating it.
6. Cutting-edge technology makes diagnosis and treatments more successful: Doctors at Dayton Physicans Network have access to the most current technology, such as magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US) fusion-guided biopsy, to help them to provide the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment options available.
In addition to traditional open surgeries, Dayton Physicians Network also offers robotic surgery through the da Vinci Surgical System. Robotic surgical procedures can be performed through smaller incisions, resulting in reduced recovery time.
“For clinically localized prostate cancer, we often recommend a robotic prostatectomy, depending on the patient’s age and other factors,” said Dr. Monsour. “As with any surgery, there are risks associated with prostate surgery, including erectile dysfunction and incontinence. That’s why it’s important for patients to discuss treatment options with their physician to determine which plan makes the most sense.”
For over 20 years, Dayton Physicians Network Urology has been committed to providing the highest quality medical services in a compassionate and caring environment. With eight skilled urologists and three convenient locations, your network of care is always convenient for you.
If you have questions about prostate cancer screening, call Dayton Physicians Network at 937-293-1622937-293-1622.