subject: What Men Over The Age Of 65 Need To Know About Prostate Cancer [print this page] What Men Over the Age of 65 Need to Know about Prostate Cancer
First, the good news: 2006 figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show a steady decline (approximately 60 percent) in deaths from prostate cancer over the last 20 years. Now, the bad news: 70% of all diagnosed prostate cancer occurs in men ages 65 years or older, according to the American Cancer Society.
Its clear from these figures that senior men are at the greatest risk for this disease, notes Alan Weinstock, an insurance broker at www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com. And thats one good reason why they should take advantage of the services they have access to under Medicare.
Medicare Covers the Cost of Preventive Tests
There are two common tests used to detect prostate cancer. The first is the PSA test or Prostate Specific Antigen blood test, which measures the amount of PSA enzyme in the blood. While not perfect, it is considered good at detecting early-stage prostate cancer.
The second test is the DRE or Digital Rectal Examination. In this way a health professional can check for growths in or enlargement of the prostate gland. A tumor in the prostate can often be felt as a hard lump.
Medicare covers one PSA test every year AND one DRE test every year for Medicare beneficiaries ages 50 and older. There is no coinsurance or Part B deductible for the PSA test, but they both apply to the DRE test.
Keep in mind that there are possible drawbacks to both of these exams. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has determined that that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for prostate cancer using either exam. In fact, some prostate cancer experts have concerns that extensive screening could lead to over-diagnosis of the disease and create unnecessary anxiety among patients. However findings published in the July 1, 2010, issue of Lancet Oncology may indicate that the risk of over-diagnosis is less than previously reported.
How Men Can Take Care of Their Prostate Health
While about 80 percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer, there are factors, such as age, race, and family history that may contribute to the risk. There are also steps that you can take to lower your chances.
First, stick to a low-fat diet with five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Also include healthy grains such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta into your diet.
Next, using a vitamin supplement may affect your risk of prostate cancer. Currently vitamin E and selenium are being studied to evaluate if they can provide protection from the disease.
Finally, see your doctor annually and get screened. Even though the benefit of these two exams is still up for debate, early detection is still the best solution and often means more treatment options are available and less extensive treatment is necessary.
by: Alfred Winston
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