Prostate cancer screening.
The combination of the PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE) is the most effective means of detecting prostate cancer.
DRE:
The prostate is situated in front of the rectum and can easily be examined by a physician who inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel its size and shape. He feels for lumps, irregularities or hardness. Not all irregularities of the prostate are cancer and cancer can be present in a normal feeling prostate.
PSA:
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate. Most men with prostate cancer have an increased level of PSA in the blood. A PSA blood test is a simple test used to determine PSA levels. While it is sometime the case that PSA levels are high when there is no cancer, or that men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA, rising PSA levels have clearly shown to indicate cancer growth. For this reason, we recommend that all men over the age of 50 (age 40 with a family history of the disease) be tested annually for prostate cancer.
Prostate Biopsy A prostate biopsy is required to confirm a suspicion of prostate cancer.
IT’S THE NUMBERS THAT REALLY MATTER...
Knowing and tracking your PSA number helps men take a proactive step in fighting this disease. By forming a baseline, it is easier to track the increase in PSA levels from year to year, helping to notice large jumps which would require further investigation. Please note that the PSA test is NOT a diagnostic tool but rather an indicator that follow-up should be pursued with a specialist.
If it is not prostate cancer, what else could it be?
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
BPH is relatively common in men over 65, and is characterized by reduced urinary flow, and a weaker urine stream. BPH is a common condition but is NOT cancer. It's estimated that by the age of 80, one in four men will have had treatment for symptoms related to BPH. Although it is not prostate cancer, the symptoms can be similar so you should see your doctor if you start to experience problems passing urine.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the general term used to describe prostate inflammation. There are two types of bacterial Prostatitis, acute (sudden onset) and chronic (persistent).
Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate that is often caused by some of the same bacteria that cause bladder infections. Patients with acute bacterial prostatitis present with signs of an infection and may have a fever, chills, and shakes. Commonly there is urgency and frequency of urination and dysuria (painful or difficult urination).
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an uncommon illness in which there is an ongoing bacterial infection in the prostate. Chronic bacterial prostatitis generally causes no symptoms, however, on occasion; the low grade infection may flare and be associated with a bladder infection.
