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PSA and Prostate Cancer
February 13, 2008 |
The symptoms of prostate cancer can be extremely similar to those of an enlarged
prostate. Dr. Steven Paletsky is a Urologist who says many men confuse the symptoms.
“It’s a weak urinary stream. It’s getting up frequently at night time. It’s difficulty
in getting your stream started. These symptoms are the
same as prostate cancer and
that’s why it’s important to go to your regular physician for a routine check-up.”
The earlier a physician is able to diagnose prostate cancer the better chance the
patient has of beating the disease. Dr. Paletsky says, “Prostate cancer and the
treatment for prostate cancer is directly related to how early we get to that cancer
and that’s why it’s critical to diagnose these people early and treat them aggressively.”
Early detection of prostate cancer can be as easy as undergoing a simple blood test
called a P.S.A. Dr. Paletsky says, “P.S.A means prostate specific androgen. It’s
a single blood test which is used to detect benign tissue versus prostate cancer.
P.S.A only takes minutes to draw and it’s a relatively inexpensive test with a very
good detection rate.” For many patients, keeping up with regular exams and tests
helps to ease their anxiety. Ron Abplanalp says that’s one reason he’s persistent
with his prostate check-ups. “If a problem does occur and they find some issue in
the prostate they’ve caught
it
much sooner than if you hadn’t been tested when you
should have been. I’m a worry wart and I like to know everything is ok.” All men
50 years of age and older are
encouraged to get a routine physical exam, a digital
rectal exam, and a P.S.A. Talk with your physician about scheduling those regular
check-ups. Physicians say those most at risk for prostate cancer includes African
American men and men with a family history of the disease.
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