Prostate cancer is among the most recurrent deadly diseases afflicting men. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one out of every nine men will get diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Early screening may help detect the cancer while it is still at a treatable stage. In line with this, many healthcare providers have organized events known as PSA check week that aims at providing prostate cancer screening for men. Results from the recent PSA check week indicate that the event drew in a huge crowd of male patients.
The Importance of PSA Check Week
One of the most critical indicators of prostate cancer is through the measurement of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is a certain protein in the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of cancer in the prostate gland.
However, any results obtained through PSA screening do not immediately translate to a prostate cancer diagnosis. It only acts as a red flag that necessitates further testing through biopsies for confirmation. Additionally, PSA screening may also detect cases of non-cancerous prostatic conditions such as inflammation.
While PSA testing is a high benefit activity, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men seek expert advice and make informed decisions on whether to undergo prostate cancer screening.
This is because, despite the benefits associated with the PSA test, it still presents several drawbacks. One of the major downsides is the risk of false-positive results that may lead to unnecessary biopsies and avoidable harm.
The PSA screening also presents the risk of overdiagnosis, whereby medical professionals may diagnose and treat cancer that may, in reality, be innocuous and not detrimental to the patient’s health status. This can bring about a lot of stress on the patient, both mentally and physically.
PSA Check Week Draws in Huge Crowd of Male Patients
Despite these drawbacks, the PSA check week has been made to encourage men to undergo regular screening. Results from the recent PSA check week indicate that the event brought in a massive crowd of male patients. According to Dr.
James Smith, one of the physicians who participated in the PSA check week, he was thrilled by the turnout. He noted that most of the patients were eager to learn about prostate cancer and how the PSA screening would aid in its detection and prevention.
Additionally, the event attracted both men who were at a high risk of getting prostate cancer and those who were interested in undergoing testing.
The PSA check week event was set up such that the medical staff conducted free PSA screening on the male patients who volunteered. The screenings entailed the taking of blood samples that were used to test for the levels of PSA protein.
Depending on the results obtained, follow-up tests, and biopsies may be scheduled to detect the presence of prostate cancer accurately.
The Importance of Early Detection and Awareness
Early detection of prostate cancer may increase the chances of treatment success. PSA screening is an essential step in ensuring that the cancer is detected in its early stages.
Regular check-ups may also reduce the chances of men dying from prostate cancer dramatically.
There is a growing awareness among men on the importance of prostate cancer screening. This is attributed to the vast campaigns that are aimed at sensitize men on the dangers of prostate cancer and the need for regular PSA screening.
The campaigns have resulted in an increase in the number of men who are getting screened for prostate cancer each year. The PSA check week is among the events that have contributed to an increase in the number of men who are undergoing screening.
Conclusion
PSA check week events have played a considerable role in encouraging men to undergo prostate cancer screening. Despite its drawbacks, PSA screening is still an essential activity in the early detection of prostate cancer.
Men are encouraged to take charge of their health and seek medical advice on whether to undergo screening. Regular check-ups and timely screenings of prostate cancer may increase the chances of survival.
Healthcare providers should also step up their campaign efforts and conduct more events to continue sensitize men on the importance of prostate cancer screening.