Prostate Screening

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"A full screening includes 2 tests. One is a blood test and one is an ego test."

-Reverend Milton Jordan

Prostate screening is used to identify several potential prostate problems including prostate cancer. Screening can help head off discomfort from several non-deadly conditions such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH (which, left untreated can cause erectile dysfunction and other uncomfortable symptoms). Once a prostate issue is identified, the patient's medical care provider should advise on the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment.

The "screening controversy"
Because prostate cancer has a variable pattern of growth, there is a history of some men being either over treated or inadequately treated. Unfortunately, argument over prostate screening has played a major role in the death of over 30,000 men each year who could have had a solid chance for recovery had their cancers been detected and treated early. The real controversy should revolve around improving patient education and awareness pre and post diagnosis. This will aid patients in selecting the most beneficial and least damaging options available to them.

...on understanding the benefits of prostate screening:

Richard Petty was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the mid-'90s. Mr. Petty was grateful his doctor discovered the cancer during a routine physical. "They operated and took care of it," he said. "And here I am." Since his diagnosis and subsequent treatment and recovery, he has donated land to Victory Junction Gang Camp, a medical retreat near his home in North Carolina for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

"I know that there are also a lot of men who are NOT getting a regular PSA. I don’t know how you can convince them that this simple test might just save their life. I guess we just have to keep saying it over and over, stressing that this is something that is really very necessary."

-Arnold Palmer

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Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina (PCCNC)
5905 Shamrock Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27713
919.321.0365
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