Urologist, Dr. Herbert Watkins is seeing 72 year old Paul Prejean for a follow-up visit. The habit of annual physical check-ups with your doctor and obtaining a PSA test is in every patient s best interest especially beginning about the age of fifty. Dr. Watkins said, If they have a family history of prostate cancer, then beginning at an earlier age would be prudent and understanding that a prostate examination, while uncomfortable, can save your life. Prejean said, The symptoms I was having I thought was from just getting old. Most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms.
Worrisome symptoms can include difficulty urinating and a weak urinary stream.
Risk factors for prostate cancer include if you are age 55 or older, have a family history, if you are African American, if you eat a high fat diet and if you are a heavy drinker or smoker. Now, Prejean s PSA shows no evidence of cancer. They've all had PSA tests, all four of them. Copyright 2000 Belo Interactive Inc., All Rights Reserved.