How do we detect Prostate Cancer? The following are the most popular diagnostic procedures used by doctors.
Digital rectal exam (DRE). The doctor feels the thin wall of the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate. As simple as it is, this appears to be the least reliable of the prostate tests, as only part of the gland will be tested, therefore the result would not really speak to the condition of the entire gland.
The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test could also be just as unreliable as the DRE, since the results can be influenced by many other factors and cannot be relied on alone. A high PSA level, therefore, could not give us a conclusion that prostate cancer exists. Other tests must also be performed to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
To screen for prostate cancer in patients who have been predetermined to be at high risk for PA based on the results of their DRE (digital rectal exam) and/or PSA (prostate specific antigen), their doctors will likely recommend a biopsy.
A biopsy (needle biopsy) is done by taking samples and examining them under a microscope. This procedure, while highly invasive, is actually not as conclusive as it seems, as the sample may insufficiently cover the prostate, which can cause failure to find cancer cells. Therefore, if any of these are missed, repeat biopsies must be performed, which could mean further damage to the prostate.
Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to determine if a prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate. This procedure is non-invasive, so it is less harmful. However, if done repeatedly, this could increase the risk of cancer as it exposes the patient to radiation.
All diagnostic tests have their drawbacks. The ones that could give us the most results are also the ones that are most at risk and can cause the most damage to the body. Why do we have to undergo these tests? Knowing the result would change anything? Why not focus on improving your prostate health? Change your diet, work on your lifestyle, and take nutritional supplements to go with it.
As the old saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”. You don’t have to wait for the results of your diagnostic test or for symptoms to show before acting on it. Do it naturally, and do it NOW.