Second, only to skin cancer, the most common cancer that men experience in their lifetime is prostate cancer. Statistically, over 12% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their life. However, as prevalent as this disease is, its fatality rate is relatively low, especially if it is discovered and diagnosed in the early stages.
Usually, prostate cancer is discovered by a routine test for a man’s prostate-specific-antigen level, referred to as PSA level. This is one of many blood tests that men receive as part of their annual physical, especially once they have reached the age of fifty. In most cases, a man’s PSA level is considered elevated when it reaches 4 ng/mL or higher. While most likely not fatal, the treatment for prostate cancer, either radiation or prostate removal, can result in problems requiring erectile dysfunction treatment Flint MI. It is for this reason that a lot of men choose aggressive monitoring over a period of time.
After receiving test results that reflect an elevated PSA level, the first thing that most family doctors will probably do is refer you to a Urologist for further evaluation. This is because there are other conditions outside of prostate cancer that can cause the elevation. Some examples of these other conditions are a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, an inflammation of your prostate gland, and even just older age. Your Urologist will proceed with a physical digital exam through your rectum to see if your prostate is enlarged and to feel for any cancerous tumors that may be present. In most cases, your Urologist will not find anything and send you home.
If your Urologist does find something that concerns them, the next step will be to schedule a biopsy. If cancer is discovered, your Urologist will refer you to an Oncologist to discuss your treatment options. Either option you choose, your life is fixing to change dramatically, but you will most likely survive.