Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. Prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, making regular conversations about screening and prostate health an important part of maintaining overall health.
Screening Can Help Detect Prostate Cancer Early
Understanding your risk and talking with your healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening are important first steps. Your provider may recommend a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and other evaluations based on your age, family history, risk factors and overall health.
When additional evaluation is needed, Prostate MRI can provide valuable information. This non-invasive imaging exam uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the structures within the prostate gland, assisting radiologists in evaluating the prostate for signs of cancer.
How Prostate MRI Can Assist in Diagnosis and Treatment
Prostate MRI may be recommended for men with an elevated PSA, as well as for patients with known prostate cancer. Imaging can assist physicians with staging known cancer, planning treatment or surgery, and monitoring patients who are on active surveillance. In some cases, prostate MRI may also help determine whether additional biopsies are necessary.
Focused on Early Detection and Diagnosis
Our radiologists and compassionate imaging teams are committed to providing the expertise, advanced technology and supportive care patients need throughout their imaging experience. By focusing on early detection and accurate diagnosis, we strive to provide referring physicians with valuable information to help guide the next steps in a patient's care.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, make prostate health a priority. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and whether prostate cancer screening or a Prostate MRI may be appropriate for you.