Prostate Cancer
What you need to know
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, a small walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man’s reproductive system. It can be detected by a simple blood test, known as the PSA for early detection. In advanced prostate cancers cases, symptoms can be indicators. These symptoms can range from difficult or painful urination to erectile dysfunction.
How often do we recommend a PSA?
PSA testing does have its limitations on detection of prostate cancer and can sometimes give false positives and negatives. However, being tested can help with early detection, giving a wider availability of treatments and greater chance of recovery.
Research is constantly being done on this subject but at this time, the American Cancer Society recommends that men thinking about screening should have a discussion with their doctors. There are many factors to take into consideration including your age and health.
The American Cancer Society recommends that the discussions about testing should take place at the following ages:
Age 50: For men who are at average risk of prostate cancer
Age 45: For men at a high risk of developing prostate cancer (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 an even greater risk for developing prostate cancer (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)
If no cancer is found during your PSA test, you may choose to time your future screenings depending on your results:
- Men who choose to be tested who have a PSA of less than 2.5 ng/ml, may only need to be retested every 2 years.
- Yearly screenings should be done for men whose PSA level is 2.5 ng/ml or higher.
About Philadelphia Urology Associates
Cancers are very individualized and demand a specific treatment plan designed especially for you. Often times, patients with prostate cancer are referred to us by their physicians due to our expertise and experience.
The doctors at Philadelphia Urology Associates treat a variety of prostate issues, using the newest, leading-edge therapies and techniques.
Contact us online or call (215) 563-1199 to schedule an appointment.