How do you detect prostate cancer ?
Typically by having a PSA test and a DRE exam.
A PSA test, is a simple standard
blood test to the find out the amount of PSA in your blood.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
an enzyme made by the prostate gland.
An enzyme is protein that
helps chemical changes occur. The amount or level of PSA is measured
in ng/ml (nanograms) per ml (milliliters).
As a man ages the amount
of PSA in his blood increases. At age 40 to 49 the normal range
is
0 to 2.5 ng/ml, by age 70 to 79 the normal range is 0 to 6.5. These rates
vary with a man's race
When the prostate is irritated, inflamed,
or damaged by disease the PSA level increases.
A DRE (Digital Rectal Exam, digital means using a finger)
is a done quickly and painlessly, in seconds a gloved and lubricated
finger is put into the anus and touches the back tissue of the prostate.
The prostate should feel soft, not firm or lumpy. The "feel" is reported
as negative, nothing unusual, or positive something not normal let's
check this out.
Some men joke about this test. Other men are scared about having
it done. Some men think it is improper to have it done.
Think about
this!, Prostate cancer occurs and men die from it at about the
same rate as breast cancer effects women. Both men and women should
have test/exam for cancer done every year. Would you rather have
your two breasts painfully squeezed and have to lay on the back,
spread and
pull up your knees, and have a large funnel inserted in the same
near the same anus area? More women get these tests regularly the
men.
You can get a PSA and DRE done free, $10-$25 out of pocket. Most
heath insurance covers these tests and exams.
When should start getting annual testing?
Depending on your race, family cancer history, and diet, you should establish a baseline (starting situation) at age 40 for African Americans, and a family history of cancer; at age 45 for most other men.