Written by Dr. Aisha Harris, with featured photo courtesy of Dr. Harris
How’s your prostate? Is it large? Is it bothersome? Is it cancerous?
The prostate gland is an organic organ in the male body that helps make prostatic fluid and regular urination. When it gets large, it can cause urinary symptoms like night-time urination, urination hesitancy or weak urinary stream.
But, the prostate can also be cancerous and develop abnormal tissue. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in men. Not every enlarged prostate will be at risk of cancer, and not every patient with prostate cancer has a large prostate.
There is prostate cancer screening to help with detection and treatment of the symptoms and abnormal
tissue.
According to the USPSTF ( U.S. Preventive Services Task Force), prostate cancer screening starts at 55 years old. But, those at risk for prostate cancer, like those who are African American or have a family history that includes prostate cancer, may need the prostate cancer screening earlier to help evaluate for any risks.
Prostate cancer screening can be completed multiple ways by a primary care doctor or urologist. Screenings can occur via rectal exam, or, more commonly, via a blood test checking the PSA, the prostate specific antigen.
Repeating screening every two to three years is recommended for those who screen negative and want to stay ahead of early detection.
For those with abnormal bloodwork, it is recommended that they see at urologist for further workup on the abnormal labs.
Those who have various urinary symptoms like hesitation, straining or other lower urinary tract symptoms should schedule an appointment with their doctor for workup and evaluation.
Many people with prostate cancer decide to not undergo any procedures or surgeries, and, instead, they monitor and watch for changes in labs. If you have an elevated PSA blood lab, it is important to know when your next screening is and determine a good plan for monitoring.
PSA normals differ with each age range, and not all elevated PSA is concern for cancer. PSA labs can be high due to infection, enlarged prostate or prostate manipulation.
To summarize, for men over 55 years old, there should be regular prostate cancer screening for early detection and treatment options. Men under 55 years old that are high risk should undergo prostate cancer screening. Also, remember. prostate cancer screening can occur through a blood test and not only through rectal exam.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
