Staying healthy is understandably an important priority to many men today. These men have worked hard their whole lives and want to ensure that they will be around to enjoy their golden years with their spouses, children, and grandchildren. One of the foremost health issues that men must be on the lookout for, in order to maintain optimal health and head off any problems, is prostate cancer. This is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men, so the importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Prostate cancer screening and undergoing a prostate check are never at the top of the list of enjoyable activities for men, but unfortunately, they are vital.
There are a variety of methods used in combination to perform the cancer screening and prostate check. The most dreaded is usually the physical exam, during which a doctor feels the prostate gland, via the rectum, for any nodules or firm areas which may be cancerous tumors or growths. Most doctors recommend an annual exam for men over a certain age. In addition to the physician exam, a blood draw is also usually ordered so that the blood may be screened for PSA levels, or prostate specific antigens. The level of these antigens found in the blood have become an important indicator of prostate health and the presence of cancer in the prostate gland.
Unfortunately, recent controversy has erupted over the practice of having all men over the age of fifty (and those over the age of forty with specific risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer) undergo an annual prostate check. Some groups, and even some physicians argue that the increased testing is unnecessary and may even become alarmist. However, the truth of the matter is that early detection of prostate cancers, like most cancers, is one of the greatest indicators of survival. Data also indicates that prostate cancer related deaths have decreased significantly since the screening guidelines have been in place. This suggests that the screening is effective and is accomplishing the goal of helping more men defeat this potentially devastating condition.
I am hitting middle age myself and have aging parents. The importance of screening cannot be overstated. My father had colon polyps removed (which often lead to cancer) because of a screening test, and we still have him around because of it. Thank you for raising awareness!
Posted by John from Chair Lift For Stairs on March 4th, 2010.
Simply put, having an annual prostate exam can save a man’s life. The exam involves very little discomfort, and is over in no time. If the guy plans on living to a ripe old age and enjoy his retirement years traveling and enjoying himself, this simple annual procedure is a good way to improve his chances of being able to do all those things.
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Posted by Martha from Womens Health Issues on April 19th, 2010.
It’s so important to get men to accept an annual prostrate screening. Early detection is the key and could save so many lives. Thanks for the article and for raising awareness.
Posted by Sarah from Cranberry Juice Benefits on April 20th, 2010.
I’ve just turned 50 and I can’t tell you strongly enough how little I am looking forward to annual colonoscopies and prostate exams. I know I need to do it. I just wish I could have an avatar do it for me.
Posted by side effects on January 12th, 2011.