Medical groups do not agree on screening men for prostate cancer, this is why...

The screening test for prostate cancer is a blood test. The test can be abnormal for several reasons not just prostate cancer.

Talk to your doctor about screening if you are:

  • A man age 50 to 75.
  • An African American man.
  • A man who has a father or brother with prostate cancer.

Men over age 75 should not be screened.

Most prostate cancers found by screening:

  • Are small and slow growing.
  • May not be fatal.

Some men may have a faster growing prostate cancer and will benefit from early treatment. The only way to know if an abnormal test is due to cancer is to do a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor surgery to get small pieces of the prostate to look at under a microscope. If the biopsy shows there are cancer cells then your doctor will recommend treatment.

Treatment of prostate cancer may include:

  • Close monitoring and follow up.
  • Radiation.
  • Removing the prostate.

 Here are some questions you can ask your doctor before you decide to be screened for prostate cancer: 

  • Am I at a greater risk for prostate cancer?
  • At what age should I start to think about screening for prostate cancer?
  • If I get my blood test and it is not normal, what other things could I have besided prostate cancer?
  • What is a biopsy and how is it done?
  • What are the side effects or risks of a biopsy?
  • If my biopsy shows some cancer cells, what does that mean for my life expectancy?
  • Ask about all treatment options: close monitoring and follow up, radiation, removing the prostate.
  • What are the side effects or risks of each treatment?
  • If you decide to get screened, it does not mean you have to go on to the next step. You should discuss each step with your doctor.
  • Screening for prostate cancer is your decision. You should take all the time you need to think about it.
  • If you decide not to get screened now, you can always change your decision at a later date.
    For more information, go to www.MedlinePlus.gov and search for "Prostate Cancer Screening." 

 

 

 

Contact Information

Acadiana Health & Wellness
155 Hospital Drive Suite #301
Lafayette, LA 70503

P: 337-232-1010

F: 337-234-3591


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Friday 8am - 12pm

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