Written by Dr Aisha Harris
Let’s talk about prostate cancer! One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Luckily it has a 96% survival rate. But too many men are delaying (read: avoiding the doctor) because of fear. Yes, FEAR!
The classic thought is that prostate cancer screening is only through a rectal prostate exam. NEWS ALERT! Prostate cancer screening can now also be completed through a simple blood test via the PSA or prostate specific antigen.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is recommended that men consider starting screening for prostate cancer at age 50 years old if they have average risks. BUT for African Americans, it is recommended that screening start as early as 45 years old, even 40 years old if there is a high family history.
African-American men are 1.6 times more likely to get prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it!
Once prostate cancer screenings start, repeat screenings should happen every couple of years. The “normal” PSA level depends on the age of the patient. But one thing to know is as the prostate gets larger, for non-cancerous reasons like BPH (benign prostate hypertrophy), which can increase the PSA level. There are many reasons for PSA to be elevated that are not related to cancer so follow up with your doctor for the next steps if he or she finds elevated levels.
If a patient has a concern for increased prostate cancer risk, there is usually a biopsy and imaging completed. Then through shared decision-making, the patient decides if they want to wait and watch or have surgery. Prostate cancer is slow growing and often provides people time to determine what the best option is for them and their life.
If you know someone that needs to have a prostate cancer screening, encourage them to make a medical appointment. It is helpful to know the risks and take care of the human body. Men need doctors too and should be seen regularly for screenings and to manage chronic medical problems.
Prostate cancer screening is a unique screening that occurs for men, but men also need colon cancer screening, diabetes screening, depression screenings, high blood pressure screenings and more. All prostates deserve to be screened and delaying medical care can also delay the management and potential surgeries or procedures that are recommended.
Ask your doctor about when your next prostate cancer screening should take place. Tell your family about getting prostate cancer screenings. Prostate cancer screenings are necessary, and there are treatment options for prostate cancer, especially when it is diagnosed early.
Written by Dr Aisha Harris, MD. Harris 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 theflintcourier@gmail.com.
