PROSTATE CANCER HEALTH SCREENING

The Best of Prostate Health Screening

Cancer screening involves performing medical tests to diagnose early cancer before the onset of symptoms. Prostate cancer screening should begin at age 50. Men with positive family history (father, uncle or brother has prostate cancer) may begin screening at age 45. Doctors use 2 tests to screen for prostate cancer – PSA blood test and DRE.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) :
  The physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to assess the size, shape, symmetry and consistency of the prostate. If the prostate gland is irregularly enlarged and hard, it is likely to be cancerous.
  
  
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test:
  This simple blood test measures the level of PSA - a protein produced by the prostate. Normal PSA values vary with age and race. Generally, the higher the level of PSA, the greater the risk for prostate cancer. Benign prostate enlargement, urinary tract infection and prostatitis may also cause a rise in PSA. A small percentage of prostate cancer can have normal level PSA. As such, while this PSA test is not perfect, it is the best available at this point in time.
  
  

  Normal PSA: Age 40 -49 ( less than 2.5 ug/L), 50 – 59 ( less than 3 ug/L), 60-69 ( less than 4 ug/L)

• Counseling:
  A man should understand the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening. Screening may miss cancer that is present. Screening may result in unnecessary anxiety.

What’s next after screening ?

If the digital rectal exam or the PSA test is abnormal, a prostate biopsy is necessary. Only a biopsy can confirm the presence of prostate cancer. This is a clinic procedure whereby under ultrasound guidance, the doctor uses special needles to remove small strips of prostate tissue from different areas of the prostate. The prostate tissue samples are viewed under a microscope to see if cancer calls are present. To schedule a prostate cancer screening test, call (65) 6735 0369.

What if the biopsy is positive ?

If your biopsy results are positive for prostate cancer, more tests including CT scan, MRI scan and bone scan may be required. These tests help to describe the stage or extent of the cancer. Treatment options are discussed and they are based on age of patient, PSA level, biopsy result, and stage of disease. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy or “watchful waiting” (not treating the cancer and monitoring it closely).

Reducing Your Risk

You can take action to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.:

• reduce diet rich in animal fat
• increase diet rich in lycopene (tomatoes), selenium (seafood), vitamin E, isoflavonoids (soy products)
• eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• exercising regularly
• maintaining your ideal weight

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