On Saturday, 28 November CANSA uThungulu, the Zululand Observer and the Rotary Clubs of Empangeni and Richards Bay will be conducting PSA screenings at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre’s Woolworths entrance,
What is PSA screening?
The test is done to measure the levels of prostate specific antigens (PSA), a substance produced by the prostate.
As a rule, the higher the PSA levels in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present.
Many factors such as age and race, certain medical procedures or medications, an inflamed or infected prostate affect PSA levels.
Some prostate glands simply produce more PSA than others.
The test is quick and relatively painless, and your results will be sent straight to your doctor.
Do high levels mean I have cancer?
The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer, but may also be elevated under other conditions that affect the prostate.
If you have no symptoms of prostate cancer and choose to undergo prostate cancer screening and it is found you have elevated PSA levels, your doctor may recommend another PSA test to confirm the original finding.
If your PSA level is still high, your doctor may recommend further tests at regular intervals to watch for any changes over time.
Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results.
What happens if I am diagnosed?
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, other tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the prostate or to other parts of the body.
Whether the cancer is only in the prostate or has spread outside the prostate, determines your stage of prostate cancer and what kind of treatment is needed.
A PSA test cannot identify prostate cancer on its own, and changes in PSA levels alone are not a good enough reason to start treatment.
Who should undergo screening?
PSA screenings are generally recommended for men between the ages of 40 and 70.
Where do I sign up?
Simply head down to the Boardwalk, preferably with a buddy (for moral support and what not) between 10am and 2pm next Saturday to get your screening done. A R100 donation to CANSA to cover the costs of the test will be necessary.
