NEW TEST HELPS DECIDE NEED FOR PROSTATE BIOPSIES
Some male readers of a certain age may find that their physicians no longer routinely order the prostate specific antigen (psa) test when performing their annual routine physical exam with bloodwork. That’s because studies have shown that many men have had their lives unnecessarily ruined from the devastating series of events that follow a high psa reading. The typical course of action for the doctor is to order prostate biopsies. If the biopsy reveals cancerous cells, the next step is often removal of the prostate, which frequently leads to incontinence and the end of sexual arousal due to nerve damage. Chemical castration is often the next step. Most of us consider living out our lives castrated and wearing a diaper as something to put off as long as possible, to say the least.
Many have heard that prostate cancer is an almost inevitable consequence for men in America if we live long enough. Most elderly men are unaware of the cancer, as it remains quietly in place and causes no symptoms. The problem is that the biopsy can’t tell whether the cancer cells found are of the dangerous sort that might spread and possibly cause death, or whether they’re the type to live a quiet life unnoticed by you or your body.
In addition, the biopsy itself is hardly a benign procedure. A biopsy consists of inserting a hooked needle through the capsule formed by the body to keep the tumor separate from the rest of you. The hook catches tumor cells, drags them through the capsule, and then through otherwise healthy tissue on the way out. Common sense tells us that could be a bad idea, and mainstream research clearly indicates that the procedure increases the risk of metastasis, which means the spreading of cancerous cells to other parts of the body. Yet, the process continues unabated. Additionally, biopsies are inflammatory. Inflaming a quiet cancer might also be a bad idea, as inflammation is cancer-promoting.
Now there appears to be a blood test that can reduce the number of unwanted and unnecessary prostate biopsies. It could allow meaningful use of the psa test, which, after all, can help find a dangerous tumor early in its development. It’s called the 4K Score. Its use following a psa test can predict whether a tumor is likely to spread within the next 20 years. That’s a great advancement for this predicament.
What’s more, insurance can be billed for the test. For those without insurance, the cost is $395. We have ordered the test kits if you are interested.
