|
Diagnosis
Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
A prostate cancer screening risk assessment identifies men who may be at risk for having prostate cancer. A risk assessment evaluates a man’s age, family history and race. If it is deemed appropriate for a man to undergo a prostate cancer screening, the screening includes both a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. If a man has an abnormal prostate on digital rectal exam and/or he has an elevated PSA then he may be at risk for having prostate cancer. The successful treatment of prostate cancer depends in large part on the cancer being diagnosed at an early stage.
Screening does not diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by a procedure known as a prostate biopsy.
PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA)
PSA is an enzyme that circulates in the blood in men. The PSA may be elevated for several reasons, including enlargement, inflammation, infection, or prostate cancer. The PSA is not a perfect screening test but it is the best test we have at this time for detecting a patient’s risk for prostate cancer. It is possible to have a normal PSA when prostate cancer is present and it is possible to have an elevated PSA without cancer being present.
DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE)
A DRE is performed by a physician by inserting a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to palpate the prostate. The physician checks for nodules or irregular prostate size or shape.
WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?
All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer but some have a greater risk than others. The lifetime cumulative risk for developing prostate cancer in all men is 1 in 6. African-American men have the highest incidence with a cumulative risk of 1 in 5. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk than the normal population for developing prostate cancer.
“How do you beat prostate cancer? Catch it early. Get tested annually. Just ask someone who didn’t.”
Jay Dee Allen, Jr,, Prostate Cancer Survivor
PROSTATE CANCER INCIDENCE
For 2011, it is estimated that 233,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. In 2011, it is estimated 33,000 men will die from prostate cancer.
PRIOR TO THE USE OF PSA TESTING THE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL FOR PROSTATE CANCER WAS ONLY 69%. THE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL RATE FOR PROSTATE CANCER NOW IS 99%!
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
Beginning at AGE 40 all men should consider having their first digital rectal exam and PSA test. Depending on their risk group and the results of the initial PSA value, a PSA and digital rectal exam may need to be performed annually . Men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their physician. If a man participates in a free community screening he should report those results to his primary care doctor for interpretation and follow up. A man should consider his current health, his family and the medical facts when deciding whether to be screened.
|
|
RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Age (risk goes up as a man gets older)
Family history of prostate cancer
Race (African-Americans are at increased risk)
MEN 50 AND OLDER
All men 50 and older should have a PSA and digital rectal exam with their annual physical if they have at least a 10 year life expectancy.
“The number one cause of death in men is heart disease. Cancer is the second cause of death. A man’s life can be extended if these diseases are caught early and treated and if a man develops a healthy lifestyle.”
Pat Fulgham, M.D.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INCLUDES
THE “BIG FIVE” HABITS*
PROSTATE CANCER STORIES
Think you’re safe from prostate cancer? See the true-life stories of fathers, sons and husbands who discovered they had prostate cancer and how they chose to fight it.
Visit www.diduidid.com
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT UREF?
Run, walk, sponsor or get a free prostate exam at the annual UREF DADFEST 5K Festival and Health Fair held Father’s Day weekend. www.dadfest.com
Join sports celebrities, friends, sponsors and prostate cancer survivors each fall at the annual charity golf tournament. The UREF PCA (prostate cancer awareness) Golf Tournament features NFL greats, media celebrities, and prominent local business men. www.urefgolf.com
The Urology Research & Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance knowledge about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urologic disease through research and the education of patients and the community.
|
