According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and, like all cancers, early screening and detection are the key to obtaining the best clinical outcomes. The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation has a threefold mission to educate Arkansans, to encourage the timely detection of prostate cancer, and to engage men and their families with personal guidance from the day of diagnosis through survivorship. We make it easy to find a free community screening in your area, and the process only takes minutes!
During the screening, your blood will be tested for Prostate-Specific Antigens (PSAs), and elevated levels can indicate either cancer or benign (non-cancerous) tissue. If a patient has elevated PSA levels, the APCF Patient Navigator will make contact for further follow-up. The good news is that not all cases of prostate cancer are life-threatening or require invasive treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Some forms of prostate cancer are relatively small, benign, and expected to grow slowly, and your doctor might choose instead to proceed with active surveillance or watchful waiting. During active surveillance, your doctor will closely monitor the cancer and only pursue more aggressive treatment if the cancer begins to grow. During active surveillance, you will typically undergo additional PSA blood tests every six months, an annual digital rectal exam (DRE), and additional biopsies and imaging every 1-3 years. Watchful waiting is similar to active surveillance, but typically involves fewer follow-up visits and less testing. It’s also crucial to notify your doctor if you experience any new symptoms or changes in your existing symptoms between your regularly scheduled appointments.
There are also numerous things you can do on your own to lower your risk of developing cancer. For starters, you should stay active and include plenty of nutrient-rich foods in your diet. You should also moderate your intake of caffeine and alcohol, and if you smoke, quit now! Be sure to also review the free online educational resources on our website, and give us a call anytime if you have any questions!
To learn more about prostate health or cancer screenings in Little Rock, contact us online or at 501-379-8027
