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Since the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate cancer is being detected and treated earlier, before it can spread to other tissues. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the more easily it can be treated.
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network recommends that men have annual prostate examinations, which should include both a PSA blood test AND a digital rectal examination (DRE), starting at the following ages:
- By age 35 if you are an African American man, or have a family history of prostate cancer (either are considered high-risk)
- No later than age 40 for all other men
Moreover,
- It is extremely important to "KNOW YOUR PSA." Keep a record of the exact numbers, not just that it is "in the normal range." Your first PSA blood test establishes your ‘baseline’ PSA score.
- By tracking your PSA from year to year, you will know if it has increased too much since last year. A rise in PSA levels of 0.75 ng/mL or more within one year may require further investigation by your doctor. The rate of change in your PSA level can be a more significant sign of disease than the actual PSA level.
- Us TOO believes that annual testing is so important that men should make it a calendar event such as your birthday, Father’s Day or during September, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Us TOO believes that following these recommendations will help detect prostate cancer earlier, improve the quality of life of diagnosed patients, and decrease the number of deaths caused by prostate cancer.
Us TOO believes that the earlier the disease is detected, the more easily and effectively it can be treated.
Us TOO also believes that the benefits of early detection and treatment outweigh the cost and inconvenience of occasional false positives that result in biopsies of healthy tissue. Those benefits are in the form of reduced overall cost and increased effectiveness of treating the disease.
Prostate-specific antigen is a substance that is normally produced by the prostate gland and a small amount of PSA can usually be detected in the blood. However, if the prostate begins to make too much PSA, it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate (also known as BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia), inflammation, or cancer. The doctor will draw blood and measure the PSA level.
Although the exact definition of “normal” PSA level continues to be debated, Us TOO suggests that the following ranges be
used:
- Establish a baseline by age 35 if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer, but no later than age 40 for all other men.
- Track your PSA score over time. PSA doubling time and PSA velocity are currently thought to be better for telling how aggressive a cancer is than knowing your current PSA number.
We are all unique – PSA levels vary from person to person.
Although the causes of prostate cancer aren’t fully understood, eating well, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of cancer and even slow down the disease.
Eat well
Testosterone stimulates prostate cell growth, and what you eat can change your testosterone levels.
- Limit intake of high-fat foods, which can stimulate testosterone
- Increase intake of soy products that contain isoflavones, which may reduce testosterone
Many foods contain antioxidants, substances that can prevent cell damage and may enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of cancer and infection. A low-fat diet of fish, fruits, vegetables, and grains may decrease the risk of cancer.
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Vitamin A and Carotenoids |
Vitamin C |
Vitamin E |
Selenium |
Lycopenes |
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Carrots |
Citrus fruits |
Nuts and seeds |
Whole grains |
Tomatoes |
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Squash |
Green peppers |
Whole grains |
Garlic |
Tomato products |
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Broccoli |
Broccoli |
Vegetable oil |
Seafood |
Grapefruit |
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Sweet potatoes |
Green leafy vegetables |
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Tomatoes |
Tomatoes |
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Peaches |
Strawberries |
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Apricots |
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Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has been shown to strengthen the immune system and improve digestion, circulation, and the removal of waste products from the body. Exercise also prevents obesity, which is a risk factor for many diseases, including cancer. Regular exercise may also reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate gland enlargement.
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