Understand how the prostate exam is performed, its importance in combating the disease and answer your questions
The digital rectal exam is still taboo for many people. However, it is necessary for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, as recalled throughout the campaign. Blue Novemberdedicated to the dissemination of information on the fight against cancer.
The disease is the second most common type of cancer among men and the one that kills this segment of the population the most, a scenario that highlights the need to clarify what is a myth and what is true regarding the procedure that can help save lives . See below who must take the exam and under what conditions:
How is the prostate exam performed?
Does the digital rectal exam hurt?
No. To perform the test, the doctor uses a glove and lubricant to insert a finger into the patient’s anus. According to Drauzio Varella’s portal, the doctor can ask the patient to push, but the entire procedure lasts about 10 seconds and is painless.
Does the test help prevent prostate cancer?
This is not really the case: the tests are intended to provide diagnoses, not to prevent diseases. According to the urologist and sexologist Danilo Galante, touch alone leads on average to 10% of early diagnoses. Therefore it must always be associated with PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), a blood test which, alone, has a diagnostic accuracy of 60%. Combined, the two methods guarantee an accuracy of 90%.
“But ultrasound and/or PSA do not make a diagnosis. They make the patient suspicious, so he can do an MRI. [magnética] and then for the biopsy. It is the prostate biopsy that gives the diagnosis”, underlines the doctor in an interview Earth.
Is the prostate exam performed only by those who have a family history of the disease?
No, but the issue divides opinions. The Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute (INCA), for example, do not recommend monitoring the population for the disease. This is because there are cases in which the tumor is not very aggressive and progresses slowly, without the need for treatment.
Therefore, it is believed that this investigation may generate stress and anxiety, which may not be necessary, in addition to the risk of impotence and urinary incontinence as a consequence of the treatment.
The Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) maintains the recommendation that men over the age of 50 undergo periodic consultations with a specialized professional, in order to obtain an early diagnosis. If the patient belongs to a risk group, such as black men, obese men or a first-degree relative who has already had the disease, this check-up should start even earlier, at 45 years of age.
That said, ideally men in this age group are looking for personalized service. By knowing the patient’s medical history and clinical condition, the doctor will be able to indicate the best form of follow-up and, when necessary, how to treat the patient.
Is it necessary to get tested only for those with symptoms?
“We never wait until the patient has symptoms to carry out an evaluation for prostate cancer,” underlines Galante before clarifying the indication. “Patients with symptoms of prostate cancer are patients who already have metastases and no longer have a cure, so symptoms are not expected to evaluate this cancer.”
Can men under 40 get prostate cancer?
It is rare, so much so that the disease is considered “of the elderly”, as it is more common in men over 55. However, it cannot be ruled out that it could also affect young people.
Celebrities who have had prostate cancer and recovered
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
