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Something you could do for dear old Dad is make sure he gets screened for prostate cancer, one of the most critical screenings he can get.

Despite the importance of prostate cancer screening, a national survey showed men at risk for prostate cancer (50 and older) may be running scared from the disease and that such fear may deter some men from getting screened.

Men who aren't being screened annually (one in five) acknowledge that the avoidance is because of fear - both of side effects of treatment or of learning that they have cancer. Women married to men in this at-risk age group consider fear an even greater factor - nearly one in three wives say that these fears are responsible for their husbands' inaction.

The national survey also found that more than half of patients have one or more side effects from prostate cancer treatment, even though only a quarter of treating urologists are aware that their patients have any difficulty.

"Screening is critical, as prostate cancer is treatable if detected early," a prostate cancer survivor, who served as an adviser to the survey. "Men shouldn't let the limitations of existing prostate cancer treatments stop them, as researchers are investigating other factors that may be involved in prostate cancer and working to develop better therapies."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer except for skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. More than 232,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in theUnited States this year and nearly 30,300 men will die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

How to detect prostate cancer

After age 50, the chance of developing prostate cancer increases. More than 80 percent of all prostate cancers occur in men 65 and older.

Recommendations for prostate cancer screening vary widely. Some organizations believe that prostate cancer screening has not been proven to reduce the number of overall deaths attributed to the disease.

Digital rectal exam

A digital rectal exam can screen for prostate cancer as part of a regular physical exam for men 50 or older, and for younger men who are at increased risk. A doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormally firm or irregularly shaped area of the prostate that might be cancer. The prostate gland is near the rectum, and many prostate tumors begin in an area that can be felt on rectal examination. While the rectal exam may be a bit unpleasant, it can be performed quickly.

Prostate-specific antigen test

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein that is manufactured by prostate cells. The American Cancer Society recommends this test be offered each year to men 50 and older with a life expectancy of at least 10 years and to younger men with higher prostate cancer risk.

PSA test results are reported as nanograms per milliliter or ng/ml.

Results lower than 4ng/ml usually are considered normal. Results higher than 10ng/ml are high and values between 4 and 10 are considered borderline. The higher the PSA level, the greater the chance of prostate cancer.

PSA is a screening tool and does help diagnose indicator for prostate cancer. PSA estimates the likelihood of prostate cancer. The level can be elevated in benign conditions of the prostate, and, at times, may appear normal when prostate cancer is present.

PSA levels also are useful in monitoring men who have had prostate cancer. Often, a rising PSA level can provide an early warning sign that the cancer has returned, and early intervention then can be instituted.

Transrectal ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) may be suggested if the digital rectal exam or PSA level is abnormal. The test involves the insertion of a probe into the rectum. Pictures then are recorded using sound waves that create an image of the prostate gland.

During the TRUS, a biopsy may be obtained if a suspicious area of the prostate is identified. The test is generally performed in a doctor's office or outpatient setting. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.

For  More   Information:  Please  consult  your   physician  on  your  next  visit.