11.24.08
Movember Day 24
I am now only 7 days away from shaving off this fantastic Mo. So hurry to donate before I shave it off!
And now for the public service announcement (cue the theme song for “The More You Know”).
Prostate Cancer can be diagnosed using with a DRE (digital rectal exam) and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test followed by a biopsy if necessary. The biopsy consists of a procedure where needles are inserted into the prostate (ouch!). The good news is that it is likely an out-patient procedure (no nights in the hospital). The American Cancer Society recommends the PSA and DRE on a regular basis for men over 50. Or those with a higher risk (African American or those with a family history) the tests should be performed on a regular basis starting at 45.
Once diagnosed, Prostate Cancer has many treatment options and depends upon many factors. For details on each one please consult a physician (I am no doctor but I play one on my blog). Here are just a few methods of treatment:- removal of the prostate (prostatectomy)
- watch, wait, and see (active surveillance)
- radiation and chemotherapy
For more information about Prostate Cancer, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the WebMD Prostate Cancer Health Center, or the Mayo Clinic Prostate Cancer Center.
And don’t forget to donate. I am sitting at $293.55 (640th in the US and 9058th internationally). Please help me double that and get into the top 500 in the US!