The development of cancerous aberrant cells in the prostate, a gland in men about the size of a walnut that is responsible for creating some of the fluid found in sperm, is the hallmark of prostate cancer. Between the bladder and the penis is where you’ll find the prostate gland.
Because prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer, the onset of symptoms may not occur for as long as ten years after the disease has first made its debut. This is one of the primary reasons why it is not diagnosed until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. It is critical to get prostate cancer screenings on a frequent basis due to the fact that the majority of men do not feel any symptoms until the disease has advanced to a substantial degree.
Prostate Cancer Tests
The chief diagnostic tools for the prostate are a blood test for prostate specific antigen and a digital rectal exam. Both of these procedures are performed by a medical professional. Both of these examinations are carried out at the physician’s office.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test – This blood test checks for the level of certain types of antigens in the blood. While a man’s PSA levels can vary over time, many doctors consider normal PSA levels to be 4.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) and lower. In general, the higher the PSA level, the more likely it indicates the presence of prostate cancer.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – This exam is often performed in addition to the PSA blood test. It involves a doctor inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal growths, lumps, or hard areas in the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer screenings are something that men over the age of 50 should discuss with their primary care physician. It is possible that certain males will be advised to undergo screening at least once each year. Tests might need to be performed on men younger than 50 if they have certain risk factors for the disease, such as being African-American or having a history of prostate cancer in their families. Blood testing for PSA taken at an earlier stage could serve as a baseline for further examinations.
If there is a history of prostate cancer in your family, it is imperative that you give serious consideration to undergoing frequent testing to ensure your continued good health. An early diagnosis gives you a significant advantage when it comes to treating the problem.
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