Prostate cancer is one of the top causes of death in men. One in every six men could have prostate cancer and it could be fatal if they are left unchecked.
The certainty of being affected with prostate cancer increases with age and health conditions. For that reason, men aged 40 should be annually tested for prostate cancer.
There are two types of tests used in knowing if you have prostate cancer. The first type of test is called the Digital Rectal Exam or DRE. This is the most popular type of test to detect prostate cancer which is also the most accurate. The second type of test is the prostate-specific antigen test or PSA.
During DRE, the physician will insert his or her finger into the rectum of the patient. The aim of this test is to manually check the prostate. The physician will determine if the size, consistency and form of the prostate will have any indications of prostate cancer. Although this is highly effective, men are always having second thoughts about this exam because of the discomfort they might feel.
The PSA on the other hand is practically a blood test wherein the amount of PSA is detected in the blood. Although this test with the result of a high-level PSA could point to prostate cancer, the reasons that lead to high PSA vary and some of them are not cancerous.
That is why after a high PSA has been detected, additional tests should be conducted. If you have the budget, you can go with PSA but you can save a lot in DRE as you have the results in no time.
Author: Mark Kirby
Mark Kirby is the proud owner of Healthier Matters. A vegetarian and health lifestyle supporter but also an avid nature lover and birdwatcher.
Mark is now retired but has spent his entire 40-year career in Healthcare.
