Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Fall 2018

lakeregional.com 5 C ancer screening is used to look for disease before patients notice problems. The idea is to catch the cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat. For prostate cancer, an important screening is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a simple blood test. “A high PSA level in the blood can be a sign of prostate cancer,” says Lake Regional Urologist Eric McQueary, D.O. “So a simple blood test can find prostate cancer early and give men a better chance of survival.” But the test isn’t perfect. Other conditions besides cancer can increase PSA levels. As a result, the test might suggest cancer when no cancer is present. And sometimes, it finds cancers that would never develop into a real threat. “Many men who have prostate cancer will never have problems from the cancer,” Dr. McQueary says. “For these men, treatment offers no benefit while putting them at risk for serious harms, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The risks of overtreatment need to be considered along with the benefits of screening.” Benefits and risks Looking at the pros and cons, experts have not been able to say whether PSA testing is something all men should do. Instead, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that every man between the ages of 55 and 69 consider the benefits and risks with his doctor and make a decision based on his individual situation. Screening is not recommended for men 70 years old and older. “Many men who talk with their doctors decide they want the screening, and these men should receive it,” Dr. McQueary says. “Having learned about the pros and cons, they have a better understanding of what the results mean and are better prepared to choose their next step.” Talk to your doc Asking questions can help you make the right decision. Consider asking your doctor: Am I at a greater risk for prostate cancer? At what age should I start to think about screening for prostate cancer? If I get my blood test and it is not normal, what other things could I have besides prostate cancer? What is a biopsy, and how is it done? What are the side effects or risks of a biopsy? If my biopsy shows some can- cer cells, what does that mean? What are my treatment options? What are the side effects or risks of each treatment? NEED TO SEE A UROLOGIST? Dr. McQueary provides care for the male and female urinary tracts, and the male reproductive organs. Conditions he commonly treats include prostate, bladder and kidney cancer; incontinence; urinary tract infections; and kidney stones. He also performs vasectomies. To make an appointment with him, call 573-302-3111 . See his online bio at lakeregional.com/physicians . Eric McQueary, D.O.