It is not possible to self-test for prostate cancer at home, but there are certain steps you can take to check yourself. The most reliable way to detect prostate cancer is to visit a doctor for a digital rectal exam. During this procedure, the doctor will feel the prostate for any lumps or enlargement. If anything suspicious is found, they may order further tests such as an ultrasound and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Home kits are also available that test for PSA levels in the blood.Permanent prostate brachytherapy is another option for treating prostate cancer. This involves placing many radioactive seeds inside the prostate. External beam radiation therapy is another option, where high-powered beams of energy such as X-rays or protons are directed towards the prostate cancer.The PSA score and Gleason score (the classification system used to determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer) at the time of diagnosis will determine the prognosis and stage of the cancer. It is normal to experience a range of emotions after receiving a diagnosis, including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression.Active surveillance may be an option for those with slow-growing cancer that causes no symptoms and is limited to a small area of the prostate.
However, some men may still opt for treatment with surgery or radiation due to uncertainty about how quickly the cancer can grow and spread.Mayo Clinic Connect's prostate cancer support group is a great resource for connecting with others who have been through similar experiences. There are also medications such as finasteride and dutasteride that can be used to prevent prostate cancer.If previous screening tests detect an abnormality, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm if you have prostate cancer. High PSA readings may indicate other circumstances such as old age or prostatitis. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before getting screened for prostate cancer.For those who are young and develop prostate cancer, it is important to detect it early in order to prevent or delay metastasis and death from prostate cancer.
Regular PSA blood tests and prostate biopsies should be done even if treatment is not received right away.It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of routine screening for prostate cancer as it is not clear whether the benefits outweigh the risks or side effects of treatment once it is detected.
Leave Reply