Early detection is the key
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
Ian Smith says early detection is the key to prostate cancer. Speaking to our club last Monday he said, "the good news is if it's caught early enough, you can have a long life."
Ian says 18,000 men in Canada have prostate cancer. Four thousand will die from it. And about one in eight men stand a chance of getting it.
"Once you reach the age of 50, you should have a checkup every year."
Ian highly recommends a PSA test.
"PSA is not a test for cancer but it is an indication something may be wrong. Often a digital exam confirms only that cancer is already present.
Ian is a survivor. He had elevated PSA levels in July 2000 and elected surgery as a solution. Because the side effects can be incontinence and impotence, he recommends careful research before choosing a course of action.
Ask lots of questions is his advice.
There are four possible options - watchful, waiting, radiation, surgery and homeopath treatment.
Ian recommends seeking out a support group as part of your research.
"Support groups won't recommend a treatment, but there is a wealth of experience among the members of the group and they can at least provide guidance."
Support group web site www.ustoo-brampton.com
or check out the Canadian Cancer website www.cancer.ca
Pictured -Club members browse through the literature provided by Ian Smith.
"Once you reach the age of 50, you should have a checkup every year."
Ian highly recommends a PSA test.
"PSA is not a test for cancer but it is an indication something may be wrong. Often a digital exam confirms only that cancer is already present.
Ian is a survivor. He had elevated PSA levels in July 2000 and elected surgery as a solution. Because the side effects can be incontinence and impotence, he recommends careful research before choosing a course of action.
Ask lots of questions is his advice.
There are four possible options - watchful, waiting, radiation, surgery and homeopath treatment.
Ian recommends seeking out a support group as part of your research.
"Support groups won't recommend a treatment, but there is a wealth of experience among the members of the group and they can at least provide guidance."
Support group web site www.ustoo-brampton.com
or check out the Canadian Cancer website www.cancer.ca
Pictured -Club members browse through the literature provided by Ian Smith.