Prostate cancer is still among the most prevalent cancers of men globally, but timely detection is everything. Over recent years, medical professionals have been emphasizing the key role of a simple blood test in detecting prostate cancer at its earliest point and minimizing the chances of death by almost 21 percent. The easy-to-use screening device, the PSA test, is proving to be one of the greatest weapons against men's preventive health care. Prostate cancer is the 4th most common cancer worldwide. It is the 2nd most common cancer in men.
According to recent data from 2022, there were 1,467,854 new cases of prostate cancer reported worldwide, making its awareness more crucial
Learning about the PSA blood test
The PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen test is used to measure the amount of PSA, a protein that is secreted by normal and cancerous prostate cells, in a man's blood. If there is an issue with the prostate, like inflammation, growth, or cancer, then an elevated PSA reading could be found.
Physicians utilize the test as a foundation to diagnose prostate cancer early on, even before urination , poor urine stream, or pelvic discomfort can be noted. In case the PSA reading is high, imaging or a biopsy can be advised to establish proof. Early detection on allows treatment to be provided early enough, usually before the cancer has advanced to other areas.
Detection of the disease at an early stage has been found to reduce the risk of advanced-stage cancer and prostate cancer-specific death by up to 44% to 50%, with some estimates attributing as much as 70% of the decline in mortality to PSA screening, according to studies
Prostate cancer is most often a slowly enlarging type of cancer, and symptoms do not develop for many years in many men. If diagnosed early, treatment is significantly more effective and less invasive. Even some men are able to manage the disease by watchful waiting and lifestyle modification without the need for surgery or radiation. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the quality of life by avoiding complications due to late detection.
Early symptoms of prostate cancer
Who should get testedDoctors advise men aged 50 and above to speak with their doctor about PSA testing. Men with a history of prostate cancer in their families or other risk factors, including African or South Asian descent, might be advised to begin screening at an earlier age, between 40 and 45 years.
Despite the easy and widely available test, physicians highlight that it is important to have individualized screening. The PSA levels can also increase for reasons other than cancer, and thus the test results must always be interpreted by a doctor with caution.
Creating awareness
Discussion on men's health is changing, and awareness regarding prostate cancer screening is improving. Doctors advise incorporating the PSA test into their annual checkup. With proper exercise, appropriate eating, and stress management, routine screening is the pillar of preventive medicine.
A few drops of blood and a mere consultation with a doctor can result in early diagnosis and, for the majority, life saved. The message is a simple yet strong one: early detection by the blood test can save not only years of life but also the quality of them
According to recent data from 2022, there were 1,467,854 new cases of prostate cancer reported worldwide, making its awareness more crucial
Learning about the PSA blood test
The PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen test is used to measure the amount of PSA, a protein that is secreted by normal and cancerous prostate cells, in a man's blood. If there is an issue with the prostate, like inflammation, growth, or cancer, then an elevated PSA reading could be found.
Physicians utilize the test as a foundation to diagnose prostate cancer early on, even before urination , poor urine stream, or pelvic discomfort can be noted. In case the PSA reading is high, imaging or a biopsy can be advised to establish proof. Early detection on allows treatment to be provided early enough, usually before the cancer has advanced to other areas.
Detection of the disease at an early stage has been found to reduce the risk of advanced-stage cancer and prostate cancer-specific death by up to 44% to 50%, with some estimates attributing as much as 70% of the decline in mortality to PSA screening, according to studies
Prostate cancer is most often a slowly enlarging type of cancer, and symptoms do not develop for many years in many men. If diagnosed early, treatment is significantly more effective and less invasive. Even some men are able to manage the disease by watchful waiting and lifestyle modification without the need for surgery or radiation. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the quality of life by avoiding complications due to late detection.
Early symptoms of prostate cancer
- Problems urinating: Weak or interrupted urinary stream or difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Blood in urine or semen: Visible blood (hematuria) in urine, Blood in semen (Hematospermia)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control ( when cancer spreads)
Who should get testedDoctors advise men aged 50 and above to speak with their doctor about PSA testing. Men with a history of prostate cancer in their families or other risk factors, including African or South Asian descent, might be advised to begin screening at an earlier age, between 40 and 45 years.
Despite the easy and widely available test, physicians highlight that it is important to have individualized screening. The PSA levels can also increase for reasons other than cancer, and thus the test results must always be interpreted by a doctor with caution.
Creating awareness
Discussion on men's health is changing, and awareness regarding prostate cancer screening is improving. Doctors advise incorporating the PSA test into their annual checkup. With proper exercise, appropriate eating, and stress management, routine screening is the pillar of preventive medicine.
A few drops of blood and a mere consultation with a doctor can result in early diagnosis and, for the majority, life saved. The message is a simple yet strong one: early detection by the blood test can save not only years of life but also the quality of them
You may also like
Order probe into repeated extensions in Mulund Bird Park tender, demands BJP
2nd Test: Campbell makes 115 as WI reach 252/3 at lunch on Day 4, trail India by 18 runs
Late Periods in Women: Possible Health Issues and Underlying Diseases
Jairam Ramesh demands Sixth Schedule for Ladakh ahead of Mongolian President's visit
Hina Khan gets pampered with special on-set birthday celebration by husband Rocky Jaiswal
