Prostate Cancer On The Rise In U.S.

Advanced prostate cancer cases are on the rise in the U.S. Recent studies show a 72% increase over the past 10 years.

Men ages 55 to 69 had the highest spike, with a startling 92% increase in cases in just a decade. Medical experts are clearly concerned. Early screening and detection are the key but clearly men are not going through the screening process as often as they should.

Across America physicians have been encouraged by the U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce not to test men for fear that they may be subjected to additional testing.  Candidly I would prefer to be informed and aware than left in the dark for years, only to discover the disease could have been successfully treated earlier on.

A simple blood screening that searches for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) combined with a digital can provide early detection and peace of mind, or a rigorous treatment plan, if the disease is discovered.

Many experts are now beginning to agree that men should discuss a prostate cancer screening with their doctor starting in their mid-thirties.  Men should begin screening no later than age 40 (earlier if any male relative in your family has been impacted by the disease) and then every five years.

There are different risks that are specific to individual situations and lifestyles. If you are African-American for example, you are at a significantly higher risk than Caucasian males.

Doctors can determine whether or not you have an average risk or an advanced risk level. Those who have been assigned an advanced risk status will require more frequent screenings than others.

Silence and avoidance are not solutions when it comes to detection and speaking up about prostate cancer.

 

 

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