Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and the most common non-skin cancer among all Americans. MelroseWakefield Hospital urologist, Dr. Tony Luongo, says that although the majority of prostate cancers will not cause serious problems, it is vitally important for men to know the risks for developing a serious cancer.
"Men between the age of 55 and 69 should consider getting screened at their annual physical exam," said Dr. Luongo. "It is important to talk with your doctor about your risk and when you should be screened, because not all physicians include prostate cancer screening in their regular physicals."
Prostate cancer facts:
- 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime
- The most common risk factor is age
- Black men are at a higher risk than other men, and according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, should talk to their doctor about getting screened between ages 40 and 45
- The majority of men do not have any symptoms while others may have pain or changes with urination
How to get tested:
"Screening for prostate cancer is so simple and can save your life," said Dr. Luongo. "It's as easy as a blood test and/or physical exam." A test that is commonly used to diagnose prostate disorders, including prostate cancer, is a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The PSA detects the amount of prostate-specific antigen (small protein produced almost exclusively by the prostate) in your blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
"The PSA is not a perfect test," said Dr. Luongo. "There are other factors that can lead to an elevated PSA level beyond prostate cancer. That is why it is so important to partner with your physician. We need to look at all of the factors and all of the available information before jumping to diagnose a cancer."
Your doctor may also recommend a rectal exam which will allow them to feel for any abnormalities. Talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may experience and your screening options.
If your PSA levels are concerning and you have other risk factors, your physician may recommend an MRI scan and/or a prostate biopsy to get the most accurate information. "The technology has evolved in recent years, allowing us to make diagnoses using these incredibly detailed imaging studies," said Dr. Luongo.
Treatment:
Prostate cancer has many treatment options. If you receive a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or active surveillance, based on your age, overall health and quality of life. Because most prostate cancers tend to grow slowly, some men might not need treatment. It's important to talk with your doctor to fully understand your options and make a plan together.
There are some potential side effects to treatment including temporary or permanent incontinence and erectile dysfunction; all of these factors should be fully discussed with your physician.
As a urologist, Dr. Luongo cares for patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he shares that, "each person who develops prostate cancer has a unique situation. Treatment depends on many factors - we may recommend careful monitoring as a treatment option. If surgery is recommended, we have state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery capabilities at MelroseWakefield Hospital. If radiation therapy or hormone therapy is recommended our team at Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center in Stoneham offers a full range of advanced cancer care."
