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In Cancer Awareness, Health Screenings, Healthy Living, Prostate Cancer

What to Know About PSA Levels and Why You Should Care

Thinking about scheduling your prostate cancer screening? One way to test for prostate cancer is a prostate-specific antigen level test, also called a PSA blood test.

Here’s common questions surrounding PSA levels and our answers.

Q:

What is an elevated PSA level, and what does it indicate?

A:

An elevated PSA level refers to an increase in the amount of PSA protein present in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and its primary function is to liquefy semen.

Q:

What are the potential causes of elevated PSA levels?

A:

Elevated PSA levels can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can elevate PSA levels due to increased overall prostate tissue.

2. Prostatitis: Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, leading to a temporary rise in PSA levels. It is not necessarily indicative of prostate cancer.

3. Prostate Cancer: Elevated PSA levels can sometimes be an early sign of prostate cancer. However, a high PSA level does not confirm cancer, as other non-cancerous conditions can also elevate PSA.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infections in the urinary tract or prostate can cause temporary elevations in PSA levels.

5. Prostate Procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as a prostate biopsy or surgery, can cause temporary increases in PSA levels.

Q:

What is the significance of an elevated PSA level regarding prostate cancer?

A:

While an elevated PSA level can be an indicator of prostate cancer, it is not a definitive diagnosis. Many men with elevated PSA levels do not have prostate cancer, and some men with prostate cancer may have normal PSA levels. Therefore, an elevated PSA level requires further investigation to determine the cause. Additional tests, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) and imaging studies, may be conducted to assess the prostate’s condition and detect any abnormalities.

Q:

At what age should men consider getting their PSA levels checked?

A:

The age at which men should consider getting their PSA levels checked varies based on individual risk factors and guidelines from healthcare organizations. Generally, discussions about prostate cancer screening, including PSA testing, should begin at:

Age 50: For men at average risk of prostate cancer.

Age 45: For men at higher risk, such as African Americans or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Age 40: For men with a strong family history of prostate cancer (multiple family members diagnosed at a young age).

These are the recommended ages and some factors. Ultimately, the decision to get screened should be made after a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider, taking into account an individual’s medical history, family history, and overall health.

Q:

Can lifestyle factors affect PSA levels?

A:

Yes, certain lifestyle factors can influence PSA levels. Factors such as vigorous exercise, ejaculation, and certain medications (e.g., finasteride) may temporarily elevate PSA levels. It is essential to inform the healthcare provider about any recent lifestyle changes or medication use before undergoing a PSA test to ensure accurate interpretation of the results. However, lifestyle factors do not have a significant impact on PSA levels in the context of diagnosing prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions.

NEXT STEPS

Although prostate cancer may be a cause for elevated PSA blood levels, it does not always mean cancer is present. To help you and your physician fully understand next steps, our urologists may suggest further prostate testing. Click on the button below to learn more.

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In Cancer Awareness, Health Screenings

Questions About Skin Cancer? We Have the Answers

Q:

What is skin cancer?

A:

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, often caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. There are different types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Q:

How can I protect myself from skin cancer?

A:

Protecting yourself from skin cancer involves adopting various preventive measures, including:

Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid spending extended periods in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear Protective Clothing: Use wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to cover exposed skin.
Apply Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade: Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak UV hours.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial sources of UV radiation can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
Examine Your Skin: Regularly check your skin for any unusual moles or changes and report them to a healthcare professional.

Q:

Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?

A:

While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase the risk, such as:

UV Exposure: Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources.
Fair Skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk due to less melanin, which provides natural protection from UV radiation.
Family History: A family history of skin cancer can increase the likelihood of developing it.
Moles: Having numerous or atypical moles can increase the risk.
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to skin cancer.
Previous Skin Cancer: A history of skin cancer increases the risk of developing new skin cancers.

Q:

Is it important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days?

A:

Yes, it is essential to wear sunscreen on cloudy days as well. Clouds do not block UV rays entirely, and UV radiation can penetrate through cloud cover, leading to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen regardless of the weather conditions.

Q:

Can I still get enough vitamin D while protecting myself from the sun?

A:

Yes, it is possible to get enough vitamin D without risking excessive sun exposure. While sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, you can obtain it through other means like vitamin D-rich foods, supplements, or fortified products. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right approach for meeting your vitamin D needs safely.

Q:

How often should I perform skin self-examinations?

A:

Regular self-examinations of your skin are crucial for early detection. Aim to conduct a thorough skin check once a month. Pay attention to changes in moles, new growths, or any unusual skin developments. If you notice anything suspicious, promptly schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Q:

Are there any specific precautions for children?

A:

Yes, children are more susceptible to sunburn and long-term sun damage. Protect them by using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, dressing them in protective clothing, and encouraging them to seek shade during peak UV hours. Keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight and dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Always consult a pediatrician before using sunscreen on infants.

Expert Cancer Care

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In Cancer Awareness, Health Screenings

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, but it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.

Causes of Testicular Cancer:

The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but there are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing this type of cancer. The most significant risk factors include:

Age: Testicular cancer is more common in young men, typically between the ages of 15 and 35.
Undescended Testicles: Men born with undescended testicles are at higher risk for testicular cancer.
Family History: If a man has a family history of testicular cancer, he is more likely to develop the disease.
Abnormal Testicular Development: Certain conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer:

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles. Other symptoms may include:

  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • Pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum
  • Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
  • Back pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer:

If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may recommend further tests. These may include:

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create an image of the testicles, which can help to determine if a lump is cancerous.

Blood tests: These tests can measure levels of certain proteins that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Treatment of Testicular Cancer:

The treatment of testicular cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include:

  • Surgery: The affected testicle is removed surgically, which is known as an orchiectomy.
  • Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
  • Surveillance: In some cases, the doctor may recommend monitoring the cancer without treatment to see if it grows or spreads.

Prevention of Testicular Cancer:

There is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Perform regular self-exams: By performing regular self-exams, you can become familiar with the normal size, shape, and weight of your testicles, which can help you to detect any changes early.
  • Get regular checkups: Regular checkups with your doctor can help to detect any abnormalities in your testicles early.
  • Protect your testicles: Wear protective gear during sports and other physical activities to protect your testicles from injury.

Although treatable, testicular cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away. By taking steps to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer, you can help to protect your health and well-being.

EXPERT CARE

At SouthWest Urology, we are equipped to handle the complexities of testicular cancer and offer comprehensive, compassionate care. Click on the button below to learn more.

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In Cancer Awareness, Health Screenings

Things to Consider When Planning Your Prostate Cancer Screening

The benefit of regular screening is to catch cancer before symptoms occur. When caught in its earlier stages, prostate cancer is more treatable.

This might make it seem like prostate screening is always a good thing, but there are some issues surrounding screening that make it unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks for most men.

To ensure screening is right for you, look at the risk factors to see if they apply to you and talk with your healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends men make an informed decision with their health care provider on whether to be screened for prostate cancer and when is a good time to start screening.

Consider these ages and factors when determining the best time to start discussion about screening:

  • Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years
  • Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
  • Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

Learn more about the types of prostate cancer screenings by clicking HERE.

PROSTATE CANCER CARE

Prostate cancer that is detected early, when it is still confined to the prostate gland, has the best chance for successful treatment. Our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

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In Cancer Awareness

Liver Cancer Awareness Month: What Are the Risk Factors?

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Understanding the function of your liver and how to keep it healthy can help prevent cancer.

The liver has many important functions. It breaks down, stores, and helps transfer nutrients your body needs. The liver also breaks down alcohol, drugs, and toxic wastes in the blood, which then pass from the body through urine and stool.

Taking care of your liver is important to avoid harmful diseases, like cancer, that can form in the liver’s cells. The liver is mainly composed of cells called hepatocytes. There are other cells that line blood vessels and the small tubes in the liver called bile ducts. In these cells is where cancerous tumors form.

Liver cancer can be prevented by reducing exposure to the known risk factors. Here are some ways to prevent liver cancer recommended by the American Cancer Society.

Avoid and Treat Hepatitis B and C Infections

Worldwide, the most significant risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viruses can spread from person to person through sharing contaminated needles (such as in drug use) through unprotected sex, and through childbirth, so some liver cancers may be avoided by not sharing needles and by using safer sex practices (such as always using condoms).

Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Drinking alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, which in turn, can lead to liver cancer. Not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation could help prevent liver cancer.

Since smoking also increases the risk of liver cancer, not smoking will also prevent some of these cancers. If you smoke, quitting will help lower your risk of this cancer, as well as many other cancers and life-threatening diseases.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Avoiding obesity might be another way to help protect against liver cancer. People who are obese are more likely to have fatty liver disease and diabetes, both of which have been linked to liver cancer.

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In Cancer Awareness

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Gynecological cancers encompass all cancers in the female reproductive system. All women are at risk of developing these cancers, which increase with age and can vary depending on the cancer type.

According to the Foundation of Women’s Cancer, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer type among women worldwide.

Ovarian cancer is composed of three major categories: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, and stromal cell cancer.

Understanding the 3 Categories of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

Epithelial ovarian cancers are the most common of ovarian cancers, accounting for 85% to 89%. They rank fourth in cancer deaths among women in the U.S. and cause more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Epithelial ovarian cancers form in the surface cells of the ovary, or from the fallopian tube surface cells. They can be a part of a hereditary syndrome such as those with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutations. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are also epithelial cancers and have some of the same behaviors, risks and treatment approaches.

Germ Cell Cancers

Germ cell cancers account for nearly 5% of ovarian cancers, making it one of the less common forms of ovarian cancer than epithelial cancer.

Germ cell cancers start in the cells that develop into follicles or eggs in the ovaries. Typically, this cancer appears in adolescents and young women and often affects only one ovary.

Stromal Cell Cancers

Stromal cell cancers are another rare ovarian cancer. They start in the cells that produce female hormones and hold the ovarian tissues together. Similarly, there are several types of stromal cell cancers and presentation and treatment can vary.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

These symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

While these may be common symptoms many women
without cancer may have occasionally, patients with ovarian
cancer report that symptoms are persistent and often
progressive, and represent a change from normal for
their bodies.

Women’s Health

Our caring team of experts provide specialized care for women’s health. We offer custom-tailored treatment plans unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to explore available cancer screenings and treatment options.

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In Cancer Awareness

July is Bone Cancer Awareness Month – Know the Types, Causes and Symptoms

What is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer can be found in any bone of the body and has the potential to spread. Typically, bone cancer develops in the pelvis or the long bones, such as the legs and arms. Although it is less common than other cancer types, it’s good to be proactive and understand the different kinds of bone cancer, who’s at risk and the symptoms associated.

Primary Bone Cancer VS Bone Metastasis

Primary bone cancer can begin in any part of the bone structure including the bone itself, the muscle, tissues and blood vessels.

There are many types of primary bone cancer. Some are rarer than others, the most common types are as follows:

  • Chondrosarcoma starts in the early stages of cartilage cells. Chondrosarcoma can develop anywhere there is cartilage. Most often it starts in the pelvic bones, legs or arms. The risk of chondrosarcoma increases with age.
  • Ewing sarcoma is a group of tumors that start in the bone or nearby soft tissues. Although these tumors can develop at any age, they are most common in older children and teens.
  • Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary cancer. It is found in the early forms of bone cells and often occurs in young people between the ages of 10 and 30.

Bone metastasis differs from primary bone cancer because it spreads into the bone from an advanced cancer such as prostate cancer or breast cancer. This is more common than primary bone cancer. When bone metastasis occurs, the cancer cells will need the same treatment as the advanced cancer the metastasis stems from.

Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Because there are many different types of primary bone cancers, the symptoms can differ depending on the type, location and the extent of the cancer. Common symptoms associated with most types of bone cancer are pain, a lump or swelling, and fractures.

Similar to other cancer types, bone cancer can cause weight loss or fatigue. If the cancer has spread beyond the bone, you might experience symptoms specific to the infected part of the body. For example, if bone cancer spreads to the lungs, you might experience difficulty breathing.

Symptoms are typically associated with other conditions, such as injuries or arthritis. If you notice persistent symptoms related to bone cancer or metastasis, see a doctor to catch tumors early.

See How We Specialize Cancer Care

No two situations are the same. That’s why our caring team of experts are here to provide you with a custom-tailored treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Click on the button below to learn more.

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