June 4th 2024.
Many men make jokes about prostate tests, but the reality is that a large number of them actually avoid getting tested. Surprisingly, almost half of men are putting off this potentially life-saving test due to their fear of a rectal exam. Despite the fact that doctors now have a more convenient blood test for detecting prostate cancer, many men are still hesitant to get tested.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with one in eight men being affected by it. However, it is also highly treatable if detected early on. Unfortunately, there are often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which means that men need to be aware of their risk and take the initiative to get tested.
In the past, getting tested for prostate cancer often involved a rectal exam, where a doctor or nurse would check inside the patient's rectum using their finger. However, this method is no longer considered the most effective way to detect the disease, according to leading medical professionals and Prostate Cancer UK. The charity is working to spread awareness that a simple blood test, known as the PSA test, is now the preferred method for detecting prostate cancer.
Despite this, a recent survey revealed that 46% of men still expect to undergo a rectal exam when getting tested, which is one of the main reasons why they avoid it. Sophie Smith, a senior specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, explained that the common misconception of a rectal exam being the only way to test for prostate cancer is preventing many men from getting checked. She stressed that the PSA test is a free and painless alternative that can be done at a doctor's office.
One of the main reasons why men do not get tested is because they do not experience any symptoms until the cancer has already advanced. Some symptoms of prostate cancer include needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night, urgency to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and blood in the urine or semen. These symptoms occur when the cancer grows large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Prostate Cancer UK offers an online risk checker tool to help men determine if they should get tested. This tool is especially important since there is currently no screening program for prostate cancer in the UK. The charity also emphasized the importance of using MRI scans in the detection of prostate cancer, as it has become more accurate and effective in recent years.
Andrew Loughran, a 57-year-old man from Scotland, did not experience any symptoms when he decided to check his risk for prostate cancer after having a "gut feeling". His father had previously been diagnosed with the disease, so he decided to use the Risk Checker tool offered by Prostate Cancer UK. The results showed that his risk was 2.5 times higher than average, prompting him to get tested. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but fortunately, it was caught early enough for successful treatment.
The CEO of Prostate Cancer UK, Laura Kerby, stressed the importance of early detection and debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding prostate cancer testing. She expressed that early diagnosis can save lives and lead to more precious moments with loved ones. The charity encourages men over 50 to ask their doctor for a PSA test, especially those who are Black, obese, or have a family history of prostate cancer.
In conclusion, getting tested for prostate cancer is crucial, and the best time to do so is now. With the advancements in testing and treatment, there is no need to fear a rectal exam. A simple blood test could potentially save your life and allow you to continue enjoying the things you love with your family and friends. So do not hesitate to get tested and use the resources available to determine your risk for prostate cancer.
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