3 Key Takeaways:
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males should start annual PSA screening at age 40.
- The American Urological Association recommends annual PSA testing for men between the ages of 55 to 70 with no family history of prostate cancer, but with at least a 10-year life expectancy.
- PSA testing should be personalized, considering age, health history, and ethnicity.
When it comes to prioritizing health, prostate health often doesn’t feature on the checklist for most men – at least not as prominently as cardiovascular health or even mental well-being. And yet, the looming threats of prostate health are real and vast, especially the specter of prostate cancer, which is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. One route to early detection and effective management of prostate cancer is through the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, an essential checkpoint on the journey of prostate health.
The Call for Early Screening
According to Dr. Yaser Bassel, a respected figure among urologists in FL, the PSA test is a requisite annual ritual for some men. “In particular, it’s important for men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males to start screening at age 40,” he said. This insight underscores the fact that some groups are at a heightened risk of developing prostate cancer, making their early and regular screening for prostate cancer paramount.
This proactive approach towards the PSA test is not just a buffer against prostate cancer but also an exercise in awareness, a shift from the typical reactive to a more preventative health mindset that we should all imbibe. It’s not just a test, but a pathway to take control of our health, which is a powerful weapon against the inevitable degeneration that accompanies aging.
When to Get your PSA Test
The American Urological Association has laid out clear guidelines about PSA testing, as Dr. Howard Epstein elucidates. The recommendations call for an annual PSA test for men between the ages 55 to 70 with no family history of prostate cancer, but with at least a 10-year life expectancy. The rules are slightly tweaked for those with a positive family history or African-American males in the age bracket of 40 to 54 years. They too should get an annual PSA test.
As for men over 70, Epstein advises, “It’s not recommended unless there’s a greater than 10-year life expectancy.” The guidelines emphasize the need for a personalized approach to PSA testing, which factors in age, health history, and ethnicity.
Navigating Prostate Health with Advanced Urology Institute
Navigating the landscape of prostate health can be daunting, especially when the stakes are as high as prostate cancer. Add to that the complexity of understanding when and how to consider a PSA test, and it’s not hard to see why many might feel lost. That’s where we, at the Advanced Urology Institute, come in.
We have the distinction of being the largest urology practice in Florida, with a special focus on prostate health. Our team of seasoned urologists is well-equipped to guide you on the path of health and wellness. We believe in empowering our patients with the right knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health.
Whether it’s guiding you on the PSA test or walking you through the course of prostate cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, we are here every step of the way. We understand the complexities of urology, and our team is committed to making this journey as simple and comprehensible for you as possible.
Navigating prostate health doesn’t have to feel like sailing in uncharted waters. Chart your course with us at Advanced Urology Institute, where excellence in urology is not just our profession; it’s our passion.
References:
- “Should I continue to get regular PSA testing after age 70?.” 1 Sep. 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/should-i-continue-to-get-regular-psa-testing-after-age-70.
- “Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer? – CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/get-screened.htm.
- “Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-age-specific-screening-guidelines.
