The latest prostate cancer screening guidelines emphasize informed decision-making for men considering PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing. Key recommendations include:
- Age Recommendations:
- Men aged 55 to 69 should discuss the potential benefits and harms of PSA screening with their healthcare provider before making a decision.
- Men at higher risk, such as African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should start discussions at age 45.
- For men over 70, routine PSA screening is generally not recommended unless they are in excellent health and have a strong preference for testing.
- Risk Factors and Personalized Approach:
- Screening decisions should consider individual risk factors, such as age, ethnicity, family history, and overall health.
- Discussions between patients and healthcare providers should address the uncertainties, potential benefits, and possible harms of screening.
- Screening Methods:
- PSA testing remains the primary tool, with the understanding that elevated levels can result from non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.
- Additional diagnostic tools, including digital rectal exams (DRE), imaging, and other blood and urine tests, may be used to clarify risks for those with elevated PSA levels.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement and Cancer
Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH):
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting and stopping urination
- Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urgency to urinate
Prostate Cancer:
- Difficulty urinating or holding back urine
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Chronic pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be indicative of prostate issues that may require further investigation and management.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the sources from the American Cancer Society, United States Preventive Services Taskforce, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Cancer Info & Resources) (US Preventive Services Task Force) (Cancer Info & Resources) (NewYork-Presbyterian) (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).
-Nguyễn Duy Khiêm-