PSA on PSA: Stop Being Scared, Get Your Prostate Checked!

Excerpt Below. Read full Flint Courier News article here.

Let’s talk about Prostate Cancer! 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Luckily it has a 96% survival rate but too many men are delaying (read: avoiding the doctor) because of fear. Yes, FEAR!

The classic thought is that prostate cancer screening is only through a rectal prostate exam. NEWS ALERT! Prostate cancer screening can now be completed through a simple blood test via the PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is recommended that men consider starting screening for prostate cancer at age 50 years old, if they have average risks. BUT for African Americans, it is recommended that screening start as early as 45 years old, even 40 years old if there is a high family history.

African-American men are 1.6 times more likely to get prostate cancer, and more than twice as likely to die from it.