In Episode 25 of Balls Deep, Dr. Joe Pazona talks about prostate cancer, which is a disease that is common among many men especially as they age during. He is joined with his co-host as they talk about a wide range of topics, including prostate anatomy, which is important for understanding the role of PSA testing in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, treatment options, its complexity, and the age of diagnosis and detection. Keep reading to learn more about prostate cancer’s realities and how to manage it.
The Function of PSA Testing
With the advancement in the understanding of the human body due to the medical evolution, scientists have come up with specific tests to determine cancer. One such cancer is that of the prostate, and the PSA test measures the amount of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) that is present in the blood of the male patients. Dr. Pazona says that while a PSA test is useful, one should not expect to be given a definitive diagnosis based on it. PSA levels can rise for various reasons — age, an enlarged prostate, or even recent activity — so an elevated PSA should not mean cancer diagnosis. It is just a sign to look for a urologist.
When to Start Screening for Prostate Cancer
Many medicale guidelines suggest screening for PSA at age 50, but if you’re at a higher risk for prostate cancer, earlier testing is recommended. Those with a history of prostate cancer in their family or have higher genetic risk factors should target the age of 40 for screening. Rather than following generalized guidelines, Dr. Pazona stresses the importance of discussing personalized screening schedules with your healthcare provider to ensure risks are accurately assessed.
What to Do After an Elevated PSA Test
If the level of PSA is above normal, there are several options that will help determine if cancer is present:
DNA and Urine Tests: These can help identify specific markers linked to cancer risk.
MRI Scans: Imaging tests provide a clearer view of any potential issues.
Biopsy: This is the only way to confirm cancer, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope.
If cancer is confirmed, more tests are conducted to ascertain the level of aggressiveness posed by the cancer and how it will affect treatment options.
To Treat or Not to Treat?
Treatment for prostate cancer isn’t always the next step. This is because many prostate cancers grow slowly and never become life-threatening. The decision of treatment depends on several risk factors, including:
Age and Overall Health: In the case of an older patient suffering from other diseases, a watch-and-wait approach may be used as opposed to aggressive treatments.
Cancer Aggressiveness: The use of PSA levels and biopsy samples, such as the Gleason score, gives urologists an idea of if the cancer is aggressive or metastatic. Patients with high-level Gleason scores may be required to treat cancer faster than other patients through surgery or radiation.
Dr. Pazona further adds that those who suffer from low-risk cancers may require “active surveillance” as the best strategy of treatment. This monitoring process allows patients to avoid the side effects of surgery and radiation by allowing patients to wait for radiation and surgery.
The Risks Associated with the Lack of Testing
Affected patients are more likely to live with prostate cancer than die from it, but this does not mean that the cancer is free of potentially lethal consequences. If unchecked, the malignancy can spread to the bones, become more difficult due to urinary obstruction, or cause kidney problems. It is also important to go for checkups and get PSA testing since we can detect an early cancer and treat it easily.
Important Points from Dr. Pazona
Most men with prostate cancer live their lives with it and not from it. Though this is the case, serious complications can arise if left untreated.
A simple and safe screening method is the PSA test. It is especially recommended for men above the age of 50. Those who are at a higher risk should consider getting tested quicker before the disease manifests.
It is important to make a partnership with a healthcare professional provider to nip the prostate disease at the bud. Regular visitation of a patient reduces the silence of missing threats.
Prostate cancer is not difficult to control, if it is detected early and with appropriate measures, it can be spotted and resolved through health screening tests easily.
If you need information on prostate health, learn more about Pazona MD and the services we offer, then reach out to us!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and merely informs the listener. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any medical conditions.
