According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and early screening and detection are the key to obtaining the best clinical outcomes. The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation makes it easy to find a free community screening in your area, and we also offer free online educational resources so you can learn more about prostate cancer and other health issues affecting men once they reach middle age. The good news is that not all prostate cancer is life-threatening, and some men can live the duration of their lives without symptoms. But if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s crucial to get regular check-ups and additional testing as needed.
Our screening events are administered through a partnership with Baptist Health, and involve a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland, and elevated levels can indicate either cancer or benign (non-cancerous) tissues. If a patient has elevated PSA levels, the APCF Patient Navigator will make contact to explain test results, answer questions, and advise a urological consult if more investigation or a biopsy is warranted.
A prostate cancer diagnosis doesn’t always require surgery, radiation therapy, or other invasive treatments. Some forms of prostate cancer are relatively small, benign, and expected to grow slowly, and your doctor might choose a more conservative treatment approach. Active surveillance involves monitoring the cancer closely and only pursuing more aggressive treatment options if the cancer begins to grow more quickly. During active surveillance, you might receive a PSA blood test every six months and a digital rectal exam (DRE) annually. Your physician might also order additional biopsies and imaging every 1-3 years to ensure that the cancer hasn’t grown. Observation, also known as watchful waiting, is a less aggressive form of follow-up that involves fewer tests and carefully monitoring the patient’s symptoms for any changes.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s crucial to follow your prescribed treatment regimen and tell your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. We also proudly host virtual support groups to ensure you never have to go through the journey alone!
To learn more about prostate health or cancer screenings in Little Rock, contact us online or at 501-379-8027
