Prostate Cancer
Principal Investigator: Lisa Cannon-Albright, PhD
Symptoms of prostate cancer include changes in urinary habits (especially a need to urinate more often at night), difficulty starting and stopping urine flow, irregular urine flow, dripping that leaves spots on clothing, painful urination, painful ejaculation, blood or pus in urine, pain in the testes, pain or swelling in the pelvic region, back pain, fever, or chills.
Our prostate cancer study is currently our most promising study. We are actively recruiting for this study. If at least three people in your family have been clinically diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you qualify to participate. Participation is free and includes:
- A blood sample
- A questionnaire
- A PSA test for men over 40 years of age
The American Cancer Society recommends two tests for the detection of prostate cancer. These are the PSA test and digital rectal exam. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein in your blood. If there were a problem with your prostate, the amount of the protein found in your blood would usually exceed normal levels. The PSA test is specific to the prostate but not to prostate cancer. The test can pick up other problems or abnormalities in the prostate, which are also treatable.
It is important to have a digital rectal exam in addition to the PSA test. In a digital rectal exam, the doctor feels the prostate to check for hard or lumpy areas. Obviously not the most comfortable test, the rectal exam is an important procedure. Your doctor may order other tests before determining if you need a biopsy. Always consult your personal physician about how regularly you should have a PSA test and digital rectal exam. Make sure your physician knows about your family’s medical history.
The Utah Chapter of the American Cancer Society offers a Prostate Cancer Support Group which meets monthly. The sessions begin with an informative speaker followed by time for questions and discussion.