Detecting prostate cancer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - There is much being done in West Michigan to help with prostate cancer, a disease that can be very treatable.   Doctor Brian Lane is a urologist with the Spectrum Health Medical Group and he shares his expertise in the area of detecting prostate cancer and PSA screening.  Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland.  A PSA test involves a blood draw to measure the concentration of PSA in the blood.  The majority of prostate cancer diagnosed is low-grade, low-volume, and PSA-detected.  Some men with elevated PSA levels are candidates for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment.  However, in some patients, prostate cancer grows and spreads rapidly.  Currently, the medical industry does not have all of the tools necessary to perfectly tell the difference between these two groups, so they are studying how to do this better.  Screening recommendations are to offer baseline PSA and exam at age 40.  If the total PSA score is less than 1.0 and there are no risk factors, screen may be recommended every five years until age 50, then yearly.  Symptoms of prostate cancer may include frequent urination, weak flow, the urge to urinate frequently at night, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or in seminal fluid, pain in the back, hips, thighs, shoulders or other bones and fatigue.  Spectrum Health Medical Group offers a variety of treatment options including surgery, observation and for advanced cancers, hormonal therapy combined with surgery or radiation can provide the best cancer control. Attend a free Doctor Dialogue event on Prostate Health: A Custom Plan for Every Man September 20 at 7 p.m. at Aquinas College. Register at shmg.org or call 616.267.2626 and select option 4.

Living Well:
Detecting Prostate Cancer
Brian Lane, MD, PhD
Spectrum Health Medical Group
4069 Lake Drive, Suite 313
Grand Rapids
616.267.7333
shmg.org/urology
Attend a free Doctor Diaglogue
Prostate Health: A Custom Plan for every man
September 20, 7 p.m.
Aquinas College
Register: www.shmg.org
Call (616) 267-2626, select option 4