Prostate testing or Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing is a medical way of detecting prostate cancer among men. The test measures PSA levels in the blood. High PSA levels might be the result of prostate cancer. However, the PSA test isn’t always accurate and there might be other underlying causes of high levels of PSA. Still, for the sake of better prevention, it is advisable to get a PSA test every 2 years.
Here is more information about PSA and prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer and prostate testing
The American Cancer Society estimated more than 280,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2023. When it comes to prostate cancer, prevention is always better than cure. That is why it is important for men to responsibly monitor and take care of their prostate.
The PSA test is only one type of prostate testing. There is also the Core Needle Biopsy and the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). All of these methods are fairly common depending on the physician and the patient. A biopsy is still the most accurate way of determining prostate cancer. However, many doctors start with PSA or DRE, especially during the initial stages when patients have medical concerns.
Why is prostate testing important?
PSA testing and other methods are important mainly because they can save lives. According to the United States Cancer Statistics, 31, 636 males died from prostate cancer in 2019. There are many cases wherein men are found out way too late resulting in to cure being nearly impossible. In order to reduce that number, it is important for men to focus on prevention.
Many refuse to get tested because they are scared of the result. But, getting tested is key to beating prostate cancer because when detected early and treated thoroughly, this disease is often highly curable. Other than getting tested, is there anything you can do to prevent prostate cancer?
Be more active
Exercising regularly helps the body fight off different diseases including prostate cancer. Working out doesn’t stop nor cure prostate cancer directly. How it works is that being more active results to a healthier body which then fights off diseases. Exercising is beneficial for your prostate and, it can also improve your sexual experience.
Eat Healthy
What you eat is also a key factor that can affect your prostate health. Unhealthy eating habits can result in different carcinogens and other cancer cells entering the body. On the other hand, eating healthy food can improve your prostate health and release all sorts of nutrients throughout the body. Broccoli, berries, salmon, Brazil nuts, avocado, walnuts, tomato, and pomegranate are superfoods that can do wonders for your prostate.
Other tips
Other than prostate testing, working out, and a healthy diet other prostate health tips to know are avoiding red meat, stopping smoking, better managing stress, hydrating, and taking care of your mental health. The best time to start prostate cancer prevention is yesterday and the next best time is today. Educate yourself more about prostate testing and prostate cancer prevention.
