Understanding Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland found in the male body at the base of the bladder which produces a fluid which protects and nourishes sperm.
Cancer of the prostate occurs when cells within the prostate grow abnormally fast, creating small tumors. At these stage, the disease is often curable with standard interventions such as surgery or radiation, but there are generally few or no symptoms and can be difficult to detect, so regular prostate cancer tests are suggested, especially for men over 50.
For more information visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation website.
Prostate cancer screening
Having a simple blood test to determine the presence of prostate cancer may seem like the easy option, when compared to the alternative examination. But just how effective are these blood tests and do they really help?
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the blood test that detects the presence of prostate cancer, usually combined with a rectal examination. With no major cancer organisation endorsing PSA screening, is there really a need for it? Even the urologist from Stanford University in California who originally highlighted the PSA test, has recanted his statement.
The treatment for prostate cancer, even when detected early on, is radical and toxic, therefore, one would like to be certain that it is necessary. PSA can detect rogue cells that may never develop into cancers, or may do so only at a much older age. This why PSA should not be used in isolation.
For more information on prostate screening, visit the National Cancer Institute.
