WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN
2. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS!!!
3. CHECK IT TODAY!

There are two tests that can be used to detect prostate cancer. One is a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate specific antigen (PSA). The second is the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas. Together, these tests can detect many “silent” prostate cancers, those that have not caused symptoms.
At present, however, it is not known whether routine screening saves lives. The benefits of screening and local therapy (surgery or radiation) remain unclear for many patients. Because of this uncertainty, the National Cancer Institute is currently supporting research to learn more about screening men for prostate cancer. Currently, researchers are conducting a large study to determine whether screening men using a blood test for PSA and a DRE can help reduce the death rate from this disease. They are also assessing the risks of screening. Full results from this study, the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial or PLCO, are expected by 2015.

BE ACCOUNTABLE!