How do we detect Prostate Cancer? The following are the most popular diagnostic procedures used by medical practitioners.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). The doctor touches the thin wall of the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate. As simple as it is, this seems to be the least reliable among the prostate tests, since only a part of the gland will be tested, thus, the result would not really speak for situation of the whole gland.
The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test likewise could be as unreliable as DRE, since results can be influenced by many other factors and could not be solely relied upon by itself. A high PSA level, therefore, could not give us a conclusion that Prostate Cancer exists. Other tests must be conducted as well, to come up with an accurate diagnosis.
To detect prostate cancer on patients who have been pre-determined to be at a high risk of PA based on their DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and/or PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) results, a Biopsy would likely be recommended by their doctors.
Biopsy (needle biopsy) is done by taking samples and having them examined under the microscope. This procedure, though highly invasive, is not really as conclusive as it may seem, since the sampling may insufficiently cover the prostate, which may cause failure in finding cancerous cells. Thus should there be any of these which are undetected, repeat biopsies should be done, which could mean more harm to the prostate
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the whole body is used to ascertain if a prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate. This procedure is non-invasive, thus is less harmful. However, if repeatedly done, this could increase cancer risk as it exposes the patient to radiation.
All diagnostic tests have their disadvantages. The ones which could give us the closest result are also those who are more risky and which could give more harm to the body. Why do we have to undergo these tests? Would knowing the result change anything? Why not focus on improving the health of your prostate instead? Change your diet, work on your lifestyle, and take nutritional supplements to go wit h it.
As the old saying goes " Prevention is better than cure". You don't have to wait for your diagnostic test results or for symptoms to show before acting on it. Do it the natural way, and do it NOW.
