Download your free informational resource guide to prostate cancer here.
by Dr. David Crawley
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one out of seven men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
The good news is that survival rates have been on the rise because of early detection and increased vigilance.
However, there is some controversy over which patients should be tested and when they should undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings. The ACS recommends that a patient consider screening after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits.
Download your free informational resource guide to prostate cancer here.
The discussion about screening should take place at:
- Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
- Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
- Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
[huge_it_gallery id=”34″]
“What we’re trying to do is detect cancers that are clinically significant. Prostate cancer is a slow-moving cancer. For men in the later stages of their life, with a low grade, slow-moving cancer, it might be more beneficial to not seek treatment,” says Dr. David Crawley, a urologist with the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in New London. “But for those who meet the risk factors, early detection is crucial. All men should have an informed discussion with their provider about their risks and if and when they need to be screened.”
Download your free informational resource guide to prostate cancer here.