SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms. The symptoms in the later stages are listed below. While these may not indicate presence of prostate cancer, if you experience any of them, a visit to the doctor is necessary.

- Feeling the frequent or sudden need to urinate
- Finding it difficult to urinate
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Presence of blood or semen in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.

DETECTION & DIAGNOSIS

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a blood test and/or physical examination by a doctor to check the health of the prostate. The specific blood tests are:

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A simple blood test result reveals if there is an increase in this specific protein. Depending on the result, further investigation by a specialist will be needed. Please note that a high PSA test result does not necessarily mean cancer.

Digital Rectal Examination The examination to check the condition of the prostate is via the rectum. The examination involves inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check the size of the prostate and assess if there are any abnormalities.

TRUS Biopsy – Trans urethral ultrasound guided biopsy is done to confirm prostate cancer.

If tests reveal risk of prostate cancer, the next step is a biopsy which is a sure way of making a correct diagnosis. A tissue sample is removed from the prostate, using thin, hollow needles guided by an ultrasound. The tissue is sent to a pathologist to identify whether the cells are malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous).

DIAGNOSIS

The 4K Test 4KScore test is a blood test that is used to predict the risk of prostate cancer in men. This test can be used as a replacement of the traditional PSA test as it provides more information about risk for aggressive prostate cancer.