Prostate
Cancer
Prostate cancer statistics:
The fear of having prostate cancer can be devastating to men. However, it is most
successfully treated when found early. Consider these statistics from the American Cancer
Society:
Nearly sixty percent of all prostate cancers are discovered while they are still
localized (confined to the prostate). The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with
prostate tumors discovered at this stage is 100 percent.
In the past 20 years, the survival rate for all stages has risen due to early detection
and treatment.
Prostate cancer evaluations:
Early prostate cancer may have no symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate
check-ups by your physician. Do not let fear and anxiety keep you from having the tests
you need. These tests can often detect, or help rule out, prostate cancer.
Follow-up visits with your physician are extremely important if you have had an unusual
DRE (digital rectal exam), or if your PSA (prostate specific antigen) level is high. Your
physician may order more tests or suggest repeating the PSA tests.
Diagnosing prostate cancer:
Diagnosing prostate cancer is a multi-step process usually consisting of one, or more, of
the following evaluations:
- DRE (digital rectal examinations) as recommended by your physician --
usually annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such
as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should
talk with their physicians about being tested at a younger age.
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase)as recommended by your physician -- usually annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family
history of prostate cancer, should talk with their physicians about being tested at a
younger age.
What are some other prostate cancer evaluation procedures?
If the DRE or PSA are unusual, your physician may repeat the tests or request an
ultrasound and other procedures. These evaluation tools may include:
- imaging procedures, such as:
- computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes
cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities
that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces
two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal
cord.
The diagnosis of cancer is confirmed only by a biopsy -- the removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.
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