It’s all very simple. Just follow these steps to stay on top of what’s happening down below.
Just 2 simple steps every year preferably from age 40 is all it takes.
The 2 simple steps … just once a year
Step 1 - Get a blood test today and then once every year
Visit your doctor and ask for a PSA blood test for Prostate Cancer. This is the test that will measure the amount of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in your blood.
This will determine if you have an elevated reading of PSA and it will also give your score! (see step 2). Pick a time for your yearly blood test so you easily remember, such as January, your Birthday, End of Financial Year or Christmas.
Now, there is another test at this point if you choose to have it. It’s called the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination). Just ManUp! …it’s not that bad. For this test the doctor uses a gloved finger to feel the prostate gland through the rectum. This may pick up abnormalities before symptoms occur. Most men don’t find this test too uncomfortable and it’s over in 60 seconds.
Step 2 – Know your score and start to track it
Now this is important, so listen up… the younger you start this and get into the habit, the better.
Ask your doctor for ‘your score’ so you can record it.
This is where you begin to track your score to establish your baseline. Your doctor should know to do this too, but sometimes they don’t, so you need to.
It’s not so much about ‘the actual score’ – unless of course it is really high at the first test – as it is about whether your score is stable each year or if it suddenly jumps much higher. This is when you know you need to get on to it and see a specialist.
“He said you have prostate cancer. It has been an educational journey ever since.”Read more
“My doctor informed me that if the cancer had not been detected as early as it was, he doubted he would have been able to save me”Read more
“Then he told me I was a lucky man because, if I’d left it another six months, it may well have been too late.”Read more