Affecting the prostate in men, most prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland. According to Dr. Richard Caesar, a urologist at MelroseWakefield Hospital, 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. It is important to talk with your doctor about if and when you should be screened, as not all physicians include prostate cancer exams in their regular physicals.”
– Dr. Richard Caesar
Prostate cancer facts:
- 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime
- The most common risk factor is age
- African-American men are at a higher risk
- Some 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. It’s as easy as a blood test or physical exam.”
– Dr. Richard Caesar
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 in your blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate 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, 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 the incredibly detailed imaging studies,” said Dr. Caesar.
Treatment
Prostate cancer has many treatment options. Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or active surveillance, based on your age, overall health and quality of life. Prostate cancer tends to grow very slowly and some men might not need treatment. It’s important to talk with your doctor to fully understand your options.
As a urologist, Dr. Caesar cares for patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and he shares, “Prostate cancer is so unique, it often grows slowly so depending on many factors we may recommend careful monitoring as a treatment option. But if surgery is recommended we are lucky to have state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery equipment at MelroseWakefield Hospital and if radiation therapy or chemotherapy is recommended we have outstanding clinical partners at Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center in Stoneham.”
via our own urologists, CDC.gov and Cancer.gov.
