The American Cancer Society identifies prostate cancer as the second most common cancer among men, behind skin cancer. However, the ACS also notes that screening sometimes produces false positives, leading to harmful biopsies. Screening may also find cancer that’s growing so slowly it won’t cause any problems.
“There are a lot of men who die of other things who have prostate cancer in their gland, and it never bothered them,” explains Robert Dreicer, MD, deputy director of UVA Cancer Center.
Because of this, many men’s health and cancer experts recommend against screening all men for prostate cancer.
In this podcast, Dr. Dreicer explains:
- Who should get screened
- Recent prostate cancer studies and treatment recommendations
- Genetic links
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, another common health concern in men
I was recently referred to a urologist by my primary doctor. The urologist did a digital exam and prescribed medication for flow and frequent urination. Went back this week and a NP did another digital; there is a hard spot on my prostate. I am now scheduled for a biopsy and am having second thoughts about the process. I have been reading literature on topic and see there are alternatives to a biopsy and they are just as reliable or more reliable than biopsy. Could you send me info on what services are available through your hospital. I am somewhat confused that after only two visits, I am on the way to biopsy; my PSA is lower than five and I have been treated for BPH for years. I live near Lynchburg and am using Centra services.
Thank you for any information you may provide and if I can provide additional information, please let me know.
D Tomlin
Informative blogging! Thanks for sharing. Yes, Prostate Cancer Screening tests need to be checked and recommended at the right time to the right patients.