Monday, July 27, 2009

What Age Should Men Get A Prostate Exam

Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland in men located just below the bladder. This gland produces fluid that is a component of semen.


Early Diagnosis


Medical testing should be done to locate the presence of prostate cancer at an early stage. Like other types of the disease, prostate cancer has a higher rate of cure if caught and treated early.


Age


The American Cancer Society recommends that men begin getting tested for the presence of prostate cancer at age 50, though those who may be at increased risk for the disease should get tested at age 45.


Types


Three different types of medical tests may expose the presence of prostate cancer. The most common test is the digital rectal exam (DRE). A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or a transrectal ultrasound may also be used.


Awareness


Men should be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. In early stages of this cancer, symptoms typically do not exist. Tests may confirm this disease long before symptoms are detected.


Symptoms


Sypmtoms include discomfort during urination, frequent night urination, painful ejaculation and chronic pelvic pain. A doctor should be consulted to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer whenever these symptoms are present, regardless of age.







Tags: prostate cancer, presence prostate, presence prostate cancer, cancer early, prostate cancer early