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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Laboratory Test
$49
+ No Doctor's Order
or Visit Required
+ No Insurance
Needed
+ Results Directly to
You in 24 hours
+ Private and
Confidential
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Should I Be Concerned About Prostate Cancer and Should I Get Tested?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, second only to skin cancer, effecting approximately 1 in 6 men. Prostate cancer is also the second leading cause of death in men. This year alone over 180,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer, but early detection and treatment is critical before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the body. Black men are particularly susceptible to prostate cancer being at least 50% more likely to get the disease.
The PSA test measures the PSA protein produced in the prostate gland that when elevated can indicate prostate cancer or a disorder such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate. The PSA test is considered the most effective test currently available for the early detection of prostate cancer. Most cases of early prostate cancer are found using a PSA blood test. Since the beginning of the use of the PSA test the 5-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer has increased from 67% in the 1970s to 92% in 1990s.
How it Works (3 Easy Steps)
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Questions? Call 877-313-8793
| Prostate News Forum
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Study shows that consumption of walnuts can slow prostate cancer in addition to being good for your heart. New research studies will explore the possibility of preventing prostate cancer by eating certain types of nuts. The mice in the study only consumed an equivalent of 500 calories worth of nuts. So why not add a few servings on nuts to your diet - you have very little to lose and allot to gain. Walnuts slow prostate cancer growth March 27th, 2010
UC Davis researchers tested these nuts on prostate cancer after walnuts proved beneficial to the heart [..]
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A large international study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dutasteride (marketed as Avodart® by GlaxoSmithKline), a drug currently prescribed to treat benign enlarged prostates, significantly reduced the chances that certain high risk men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Avodart was also noted to improve the accuracy of a PSA test in detecting prostate cancer. As Avodart is known to reduce PSA levels by as much as half any increase in a patient’s PSA levels may indicate an increased chance of prostate cancer. Drug reduces risk of prostate cancer diagnosis in high-risk men Washington University in St Louis News: April 1, 2010 A drug already prescribed
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The person who discovered the PSA blood test discusses the controversy and the tests use. His conclusion is that the most beneficial way to use the PSA test is to get a baseline test in middle age and have the levels checked periodically. However, if PSA levels do increase it is important not to rush into treatment. Prostate Test: Lifesaver Or Big Mistake? National Public Radio: March 22, 2010 The man who discovered PSA — prostate-specific antigen — says most men who get tested for it are thinking about it the wrong way. [..]
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The Cancer Society issued a update to its advice regarding prostate cancer screenings urging physicians to provide additional information and counsel prior to a PSA test. They also no longer encourage doctors to even offer the PSA blood test. This update is a reaction to two recent studies that question the effectiveness of the test and suggest that PSA testing may lead to unnecessary treatment. It is important to note that the American Urological Association (AUA) continues to urge routine PSA screening. Further, prostate cancer survivor groups are upset with this change in policy calling it irresponsible. Many survivors believe that early detection using the prostate test saved their lives. The PSA test certainly has limitations but it is still the best test available for early detection of prostate cancer. We continue to believe that it is better to know what is happening in your body so that you do not limit your options for care. Advising doctors to not recommend the prostate test is a step back for the evolution of consumer healthcare in the United States. Cancer society stops urging docs to offer PSA test The Associated Press: March 3, 2010
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A recent UK study showed that 1/5 of men who requested a PSA blood test from their doctor had their requests turned down. Although many US doctors do act as a gate keeper for medical tests such as the PSA test, you have the ability to obtain a PSA test directly without a doctor's order and without the approval of your insurance company. This choice in medical care is what sets the US system apart from all others. Fifth of men 'denied cancer test' Press Association: February 28, 2010 A fifth of men in at-risk age groups who ask their GP for a test used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer have their requests turned down, a survey has revealed. [..]
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A retired physician promotes annual PSA testing as his personal vigilance leads to early detection of prostate cancer. Much of the current controversy over the use of PSA testing centers around a belief that it is better not to be aware of a disease that in many cases is not life threatening. This debate seems to be about what is best for the US healthcare system and not what is best for individuals. When it comes to an individual physician's personal healthcare he decided to rely upon an annual PSA test and it saved his life. Screenings help men get in touch with their health The Tampa Tribune: February 17, 2010 Gene Moore was vigilant about getting annual prostate screenings. [..]
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