September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a great time to get a doctors visit and PSA (prostate lab test) to assess where you are in regards to prostate health.
It is very easy to get tested, a simple PSA blood test can provide you data to help determine where your prostate health.
A PSA test has a range from 0.0 to 4.0 ng/mL. This is a range that physicians can use to help assess your risk.
An increased PSA does not always mean cancer
it is only a piece of data that should be used to help guide the physician and patient into a more investigative work up. An, elevated PSA could mean many things; prostatitis, BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostate cancer, false elevation due to ejaculation or prostate stimulation.
Your doctor should be asking you many questions about your health history, your family history, lifestyle, diet (coffee and smoking), exercise, and if you had intercourse before your PSA test.
PSA test should not be taken if you have ejaculated 24-48hours before the test. This can cause a false elevated reading.
A single PSA number taken without any previous PSA numbers does not really tell your doctor much. PSA’s true value is its record over the course of time. This is why it is so important to get your PSA tested yearly. It is this value change over the course of 1, 2, or 3 years that can really provide value to a proper assessment of your prostate health. The PSA number should not change much over the course of 1 to 2 years. It is the drastic changes in numbers that can be concerning. But, keep in mind what we stated above, as to other reasons you PSA could be elevated.
There is no harm in getting a PSA test done.
The only harm is when drastic action is taken based off of one or two test results without properly assessing the full status of a mans true prostate health.
Your prostate health is not just a PSA number. But, a
PSA number is on of the many important data points in painting the picture of your prostate health.
This is where many doctors go wrong, the miss looking at other assessments of prostate health. So, take the first step and get our PSA checked yearly.
Please visit our September Prostate Cancer Awareness page to get your great offer and your appointment.
September Special: $55Â
We are looking forward to meeting you and providing you with everything you need.
Educational Video: Fast Facts on Prostate CancerÂ
Another great resource for men and their loved ones looking for additional information is PCRI Prostate Cancer Research Institute. They hold a conference every year, open to the public, that can provide additional support and information. We have attended this conference many times, and met some wonderful people. But, always keep in mind second opinions from different schools of practitioners (Integrative Mens Health Medical Specialist) Â is always advised.
It’s always good to gather as much information at you can. We are always available for free 15min consultations and second opinions.Â
Sincerely,
PhxMHC
