1 year, 8 months ago
via health-qna.com
How often should I get a prostate exam?
I am a 43 year old male. I would like to know at what age I should start screening for prostate cancer and how often? My wife told me she thought it would be a wise idea because of my family history. This subject is a bit embarrassing, but I'd rather swallow my pride than chance cancer.
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M$1 Answer
With one man in the United States being diagnosed with prostrate cancer every three minutes, and with it being second deadliest cancer in men, screening for the disease is a very good idea for men over 40. In men with a higher chance of developing prostrate cancer from hereditary traits, the Evansville Cancer Center suggests getting the test at age 40, for those not at risk, age 50 is acceptable. The test should be administered once a year.
The test is relatively quick. The first part of the test requires blood drawn from the arm be sent to a lab to check the PSA level. The second part is a rectal examination that takes about 5 seconds. The worst part of that test is hearing the snapping of the rubber gloves the physician wears.
While some men don't experience any symptoms, others may have difficult or painful urination, frequent or slow urination, blood in the urine, or a pain in the lower back or thighs. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, a call to your family doctor is warranted.
The test is relatively quick. The first part of the test requires blood drawn from the arm be sent to a lab to check the PSA level. The second part is a rectal examination that takes about 5 seconds. The worst part of that test is hearing the snapping of the rubber gloves the physician wears.
While some men don't experience any symptoms, others may have difficult or painful urination, frequent or slow urination, blood in the urine, or a pain in the lower back or thighs. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, a call to your family doctor is warranted.
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