Prostate Cancer Screening Arouses Controversy

Several medical associations and U.S federal experts have come to the conclusion that PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) tests do not improve the number of prostate cancer survivals. Routine PSA screening tests should be skipped as it is found ineffective in decreasing the mortality rate of men affected by prostate cancer. The screening that starts from an early age of 40 in men is beneficial for some but most men are loosers. As the early regular screening results in over-diagnosis of prostate cancer leading to unnecessary anxiety among men. Prostate cancer is typically a slow growing cancer and so many many doctors are suggesting that if a man in his 70s is detected with this cancer, the man will die due to some other reason before the cancer progresses. Another justification to the fact that PSA testing is not required to be started in young men in a routine basis is that too many men will have to be tested and diagnosed to find one affected patient. This slow growing cancer will lead to over-treatment in the form of surgeries and radiations.

Findings of Latest Results

• PSA screening is controversial
• No need for routine PSA at the age of 40. Screening starting at the age of 60 is more than enough.
• Over diagnosis of prostate cancer can have significant impact in the sexual life of a man. It can lead to impotency, erectile dysfunction,etc.
• Before going for the screening seek your doctor’s advice
  
  
  

Facts About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer refers to uncontrollable growth of cells present in the prostate gland of male reproductive system. The growth can be aggressive but in most cases the cancer progresses slowly, thereby affects men at an age of around 85. This cancer affects the sexual life of a man.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs of Prostate cancer appear when the gland swells up beyond its normal size. Though a PSA screening can only reveal whether you are affected with the cancer or not, the following symptoms may give you a hint to go for the test.

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Difficulty in achieving erection
• A weak or interrupted urinary stream

Cause of Prostate Cancer

The cause of prostate cancer is not known. It may be due to some genetic background, family history and age. It affects more older men than younger men.

Common Tests & Diagnosis

Prostate cancer can be suspected by mainly two methods namely prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal examination (DRE). In DRE the examiner inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum of the patient to examine the prostate gland. On the other hand PSA deals with measuring the concentration of a certain molecule in the blood.

What is PSA?

After hearing so many times about PSA a question may arise in your mind what is PSA? Here is your answer. PSA test is considered the most effective test in recent times. But the effectiveness of this test have been questioned by several health officials and doctors. PSA is prostate-specific antigen and it is a protein present in the cells of the prostate gland. In case of a person affected with prostate cancer, he will be having an elevated quantity of PSA in his blood. This PSA level is tested to determine whether an individual is affected with the cancer or not.

Prostate Cancer Diet

It is very essential to have a nutrition rich diet while you are being treated with prostate cancer. A healthy diet and proper exercise will help you fight against the disease in a better way. The following diet plans will definitely help you to feel better and have more energy during the treatment.

• Meet your basic calorie needs.
• Get plenty of protein.
• Drink plenty of fluids. A minimum of eight cups of fluid per day will prevent dehydration.
• Make sure you are getting enough vitamins.
• Avoid excess calories.