Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Recent statistics from the American Cancer Society show an increase in prostate cancer. Equally troubling is an increase in men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

As with all types of cancer, prostate cancer is easiest to treat when caught at an early stage.

Data shows that more than 99 percent of men diagnosed with early-stage (localized and regional) prostate cancer were still alive five years later. When diagnosed with advanced cancer, men had only a 32 percent chance of being alive in five years.   

According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen screening for prostate cancer should be an individual one, with the discussion including the potential benefits and potential harms of screening. One’s family history, race and/or ethnicity, other medical conditions, as well as a patient’s values, all contribute to having an informed discussion on the benefits and harms of screening.

MaineGeneral Urology physician Gabriel Belanger, MD, urges men to start talking to their primary care doctor about the PSA test. The PSA is the “gold standard” of tests for detecting prostate cancer. It’s a simple blood draw and often can be done when you have other blood work.

The PSA, or prostate-specific antigen test, measures levels of a protein made by the cells of the prostate. Cancerous cells produce more PSA. With regular PSA screening, your doctor will be able to tell if a rise in your PSA level is of concern and what follow-up is appropriate.

Recent treatment updates give patients and their doctors options of what to do if prostate cancer is found. Again, early diagnosis is key.

Dr. Belanger says, “In patients with a strong family history of prostate cancer or known BRCA genetic mutations, a PSA at age 40 can be very reassuring or life-saving.”

Talk to your doctor today to have an informed discussion around your individual benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer.