Getting Annual Prostate Exams Are Key to Living a Long and Healthy Life

By Roland J. Wong, M.D.

All prostate-related diseases, both benign and malignant, stem from the progressive growth of this walnut-shaped gland, located at the base of a man’s bladder.

The prostate is vital to reproduction since it produces the seminal fluid that nourishes the sperm during ejaculation.  As men age, the prostate is often a source of problems related to this uncontrolled growth.

The benign growth that is a normal part of aging is referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).  It typically begins at age 40 and slowly progresses.

Most men in their 60s and 70s have one or more of the symptoms of BPH, which can include trouble getting a urine stream started and stopped, a sense of urgency to urinate, a weak urine stream or more frequent urination.

An enlarged prostate can be a nuisance, but it is usually not a serious problem, and there are many medications available for treatment if needed.

Unlike BPH, prostate cancer usually has no warning signs in its early stages, which is why it is very important for otherwise healthy men to have regular prostate exams.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, with more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  However, most prostate cancers are discovered in their early stages and the five-year survival rate is almost 100% when the cancer is found early.

Doctors use a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland.  The DRE should be done once a year after age 40. The simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test should be taken annually after age 50.

Men who are at a high risk – including African American men and men with a history of prostate cancer – should begin PSA testing at age 40. In many situations prostate cancer has been found to grow quite slowly.  It is possible that the doctor could find prostate cancer and a patient could go many years untreated with no adverse effect.

In other cases, prostate cancer can be treated with several available therapies, including surgery or radiation. Brachytherapy, or implanting small radioactive pellets into the prostate to kill the cancer cells, is gaining popularity.  Hormone therapies are usually reserved for more advanced prostate cancer.

A diagnosis of prostate cancer usually means that you will see your doctor regularly for years to come, so it is a good idea to develop a relationship that is based on full and honest information.

Dr. Roland Wong, is a urologist at Bay Valley Medical Group which offers multi-specialty services and has offices in Hayward, Castro Valley, Danville and Pleasanton. Dr. Wong sees patient at both Bay Valley Medical Group 27212 Calaroga Ave, Hayward, 510-785-5000 and Bay Valley Medical Group 319 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526  (925) 462-7060.

from The Castro Valley Forum, June 13, 2007