Can Prostate Cancer Be Detected Through Blood Work

Hyperglycemia And Prostate Cancer

Joshu, Michael Marrone, PhD, MPH, and colleagues studied the correlation between hyperglycemia as evaluated via multiple biomarkers with prostate cancer incidence and death from 5,162 men without a cancer diagnosis between 1990-1992 enrolled in the ARIC study. Of these men, 4,753 men had not received a diagnosis of diabetes. The men were followed through 2012.

The researchers evaluated multiple outcomes, including prostate cancer incidence , fatal prostate cancer , and lethal prostate cancer . The researchers controlled for multiple factors, including waist circumference and body mass index .

Joshu and colleagues evaluated men diagnosed with diabetes as an independent cohort. We wanted to analyze men diagnosed with diabetes separately, as these men presumably are being counseled about their hyperglycemia, through medication, diet, and/or exercise, explained Joshu. Men in this cohort had reduced risk of prostate cancer incidence, but the association was not significant. Additionally, their glycemia value did not have significant association with fatal or lethal prostate cancer.

Men who had not received a diagnosis of diabetes were classified as normo- or hyperglycemic based on their blood levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin; 61.5 percent of these men were classified as having hyperglycemia, based on elevated levels of at least one biomarker.

Advanced Genomic Testing For Prostate Cancer

The most common lab test;for prostate cancer is advanced genomic testing, which examines a tumor to look for DNA alterations that may be driving the growth of the cancer. By identifying the mutations that occur in a cancer cells genome, doctors may get a clearer picture of the tumors behavior and be able to tailor a patients treatment based on the findings.

What Is Screening For Prostate Cancer

Some men get a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor, learn what is involved, and decide if a PSA test is right for you.

Cancer screeningexternal icon means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated, and to find them early before they spread.

If you are thinking about being screened, learn about the possible benefits and harms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors.

There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. Two tests that are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer are described below.

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Getting The Results Of The Biopsy

Your biopsy samples will be sent to a lab, where they will be looked at with a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells. Getting the results usually takes at least 1 to 3 days, but it can sometimes take longer. The results might be reported as:

• Positive for cancer: Cancer cells were seen in the biopsy samples.
• Negative for cancer: No cancer cells were seen in the biopsy samples.
• Suspicious: Something abnormal was seen, but it might not be cancer.

If the biopsy is negative

If the prostate biopsy results are negative , and the chance that you have prostate cancer isnt very high based on your PSA level and other tests, you might not need any more tests, other than repeat PSA tests sometime later.

But even if many samples are taken, biopsies can still sometimes miss a cancer if none of the biopsy needles pass through it. This is known as a false-negative result. If your doctor still strongly suspects you have prostate cancer , your doctor might suggest:

• Getting other lab tests to help get a better idea of whether or not you might have prostate cancer. Examples of such tests include the Prostate Health Index , 4Kscore test, PCA3 tests , and ConfirmMDx. These tests are discussed in Whats New in Prostate Cancer Research?
• Getting a repeat prostate biopsy. This might include getting additional samples of parts of the prostate not biopsied the first time, or using imaging tests such as MRI to look more closely for abnormal areas to target.

Prostate cancer grade

Gleason score

Circulating Tumor Cell Test

A circulating tumor cell test can check for blood biomarkers that show whether normal cells are transforming into cancer cells. CTC tests can help diagnose and screen patients who have a risk of developing cancer, such as a family history of the disease.

CTC tests are helpful in the early detection of cancer as well as monitoring treatment effectiveness over time. The only test currently approved for this purpose is called CellSearch CTC, which offers different prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer assays.

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The Test Is Often Not Needed

Most men with high PSAs dont have prostate cancer. Their high PSAs might be due to:

• An enlarged prostate gland.
• Recent sexual activity.
• A recent, long bike ride.

Up to 25% of men with high PSAs may have prostate cancer, depending on age and PSA level. But most of these cancers do not cause problems. It is common for older men to have some cancer cells in their prostate glands. These cancers are usually slow to grow. They are not likely to spread beyond the prostate. They usually dont cause symptoms, or death.

Studies show that routine PSA tests of 1,000 men ages 55 to 69 prevent one prostate cancer death. But the PSA also has risks.

What Research Has Been Done To Study Prostate Cancer Screening

Several randomized clinical trials;of prostate cancer screening have been carried out. One of the largest is the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, which NCI conducted to determine whether certain screening tests can help reduce the numbers of deaths from several common cancers. In the prostate portion of the trial, the PSA test and DRE were evaluated for their ability to decrease a mans chances of dying from prostate cancer.

The PLCO investigators found that men who underwent annual prostate cancer screening had a higher incidence of prostate cancer than men in the control group but the same rate of deaths from the disease . Overall, the results suggest that many men were treated for prostate cancers that would not have been detected in their lifetime without screening. Consequently, these men were exposed unnecessarily to the potential harms of treatment.

A second large trial, the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer , compared prostate cancer deaths in men randomly assigned to PSA-based screening or no screening. As in the PLCO, men in ERSPC who were screened for prostate cancer had a higher incidence of the disease than control men. In contrast to the PLCO, however, men who were screened had a lower rate of death from prostate cancer .

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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis .

When this happens, you may notice things like:

• an increased need to pee
• straining while you pee
• a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied

These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer.

It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement.

What Does A Dre Involve

You might have a DRE at your GP surgery or at the hospital.

The doctor or nurse will ask you to lie on your side on an examination table, with your knees brought up towards your chest. They will slide a finger gently into your back passage. Theyll wear gloves and put some gel on their finger to make it more comfortable.

You may find the DRE slightly uncomfortable or embarrassing, but the test isnt usually painful and it doesnt take long.

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Signs That Warrant An Immediate Trip To A Doctor

Some common cancer signs that should result in a visit to the emergency room or to a doctor as soon as possible include:

• coughing up mucus tinged with blood
• blood in stools or urine
• lump in the breast, testicles, under the arm, or anywhere that it didnt exist before
• unexplained but noticeable weight loss
• severe unexplained pain in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis

These and other signs and symptoms will be evaluated. Screenings, such as blood and urine tests and imaging tests, will be used if your doctor thinks its appropriate.

These tests are done both to help make a diagnosis as well as rule out various causes of your signs and symptoms.

When seeing a doctor, be prepared to share the following information:

• your personal medical history, including all symptoms you have experienced, as well as when they began
• family history of cancer or other chronic conditions
• list of all medications and supplements you take

What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Problems

The symptoms of prostate problems may include

• urinary retentionthe inability to empty the bladder completely
• urinary frequencyurination eight or more times a day
• urinary urgencythe inability to delay urination
• urinary incontinencethe accidental loss of urine
• nocturiafrequent urination at night
• trouble beginning a urine stream
• weak or interrupted urine stream
• blockage of urine
• urine that has an unusual color or odor
• pain after ejaculation or during urination

Different prostate problems may have similar symptoms. For example, one man with prostatitis and another with BPH may both experience urinary urgency. Sometimes symptoms for the same prostate problem differ among individuals. For example, one man with BPH may have trouble beginning a urine stream, while another may experience nocturia. A man in the early stages of prostate cancer may have no symptoms at all. Because of this confusing array of symptoms, a thorough medical exam and testing are vital.

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Psa Test: The Current Prostate Screening Standard

Before recommending when you should be screened for prostate cancer, yourdoctor will consider many factors, such as:

• Age
• Family history, particularly whether any of your family members have had prostate cancer
• Race, as African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer

If your doctor determines you should undergo screening, he or she will mostlikely recommend the PSA test. For more than 30 years, the PSA test hasbeen the gold standard in prostate cancer screening. This simple blood testmeasures how much prostate-specific antigen is in your blood.

What Happens After The Prostate Tests

Urodynamic tests and cystoscopy may cause mild discomfort for a few hours after the procedures. Drinking an 8-ounce glass of water every half-hour for 2 hours may help reduce discomfort. The health care provider may recommend taking a warm bath or holding a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening to relieve discomfort. A prostate biopsy may produce pain in the area of the rectum and the perineum, which is between the rectum and the scrotum. A prostate biopsy may also produce blood in urine and semen.

An antibiotic may be prescribed for 1 or 2 days to prevent infection.

Patients with signs of infectionincluding pain, chills, or fevershould call their health care provider immediately.

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The Role Of Psa In Choosing The Best Treatment

If you have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, your PSA levels can be used along with the results of other tests and physical exams and your tumors Gleason score to help determine which tests are needed for further evaluation and to decide on the best treatment plan. After treatment has begun, your PSA and other tests will be used to determine how well the treatment is working: The more successful the therapy, the lower the PSA.

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Blood Parameters Normal Values & How Does Cancer Show Up In A Routine Blood Work

It is quite clear from the tables above that a routine blood work is able to diagnose blood cancers. It can also show how well your bone marrow and spleen may be working.

Relationship Between Colon Cancer and A Complete Blood Count

1.A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the value of a complete blood count in predicting cancer of colon over a period of 5 years. The study revealed

Out of 127 Patients Who Had Cancer of Right Side of Colon,;Showed

• 87% patients had a high red cell distribution width
• 69% patients had anemia
• 55% patients had a low MCV

Out of 98 Patients Who Had Cancer of Left;Side of Colon, Showed

• 50% patients had elevated red cell distribution width
• 44% patients had anemia
• 22% patients had a low MCV

Red Cell Distribution Width Diameter of a normal red blood cell measures 6-8 micrometers. If cells are large, RDW will be high.

It was observed that red cell distribution width was 88% specific for cancer of right side of the colon. And therefore, this parameter could be used for screening purposes among high risk groups.

2.Another study was conducted over a wide period of 15 years to understand the proportion of iron deficiency anemia is patients having right sided cancer of colon.

So the question that remains, does cancer show up in routine blood work?

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How Is Prostate Cancer Detected

Once an individual crosses the age of 50, it becomes mandatory for the individual to get screened for prostate cancer. This is the first step at detecting prostate cancer early. A screening for prostate cancer begins with a digital rectal examination.

The physician will enter a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum and examine the prostate to look for any abnormalities in the texture, shape or size of the prostate. If any abnormalities are detected then further investigations are carried out to look for any signs of prostate cancer.

The next step towards detecting prostate cancer is checking the levels of PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen. This can be done through a normal blood test and a PSA level is checked. In case if the levels are higher than the norm then it calls for further investigations as a high level of PSA may indicate cancer, inflammation, or enlargement of the prostate. These two tests are good enough for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages.

If during screening, any abnormalities are found then the following investigations are conducted to rule in or rule out prostate cancer.

Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the prostate can be conducted to evaluate the prostate in much greater detail. A probe is inserted through the rectum into the prostate and through sound waves a picture of the prostate gland is produced. Any abnormality in the prostate gland can be detected through this method.

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How Are Prostate Problems Diagnosed

To diagnose prostate problems, the health care provider will perform a digital rectal exam . The health care provider will also ask the patient

• when the problem began and how often it occurs
• what symptoms are present
• whether he has a history of recurrent urinary tract infections
• what medications he takes, both prescription and those bought over the counter
• the amount of fluid he typically drinks each day
• whether he consumes caffeine and alcohol
• about his general medical history, including any major illnesses or surgeries

Answers to these questions will help the health care provider identify the problem or determine what medical tests are needed. Diagnosing BPH may require a series of medical exams and tests.

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Early Detection Saves Lives

Prostate cancer;is the most common cancer affecting Australian men .

Prostate cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. This gland is only found in males and is about the size of a walnut.

The causes of prostate cancer are not understood and there is currently no clear prevention strategy.

How Much Does The Test Cost

The price of a PSA test will vary based on where the test is conducted and whether you have health insurance. If you have health care coverage, you can reach out to your insurance provider directly to find out what a PSA test will cost under your plan. Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs, such as copays and deductibles.

The cost of at-home PSA testing ranges from about $30 to $70.

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What Is Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate, a small, walnut-shaped gland that encircles the upper urethra in men and produces a fluid that makes up part of semen. The prostate gland consists of several types of cells, but almost all prostate cancers begin in the cells that produce the prostate fluid . These cancers are called adenocarcinomas.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society , about 160,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States each year and as many as 29,000 men die of it.

Although some prostate cancers grow quickly and spread, most prostate cancers, in fact, are slow-growing and never cause problems. According to the ACS, data has shown that many older men and even some younger men who die of other causes also had prostate cancer but were not affected by it. Many of these men never knew they had it.

How To Check For Prostate Cancer At Home

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. BautistaUpdated on: November 18, 2019

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but the good news is its also one of the most successfully treated through both conventional and holistic prostate cancer treatment. Prostate cancer develops in the walnut-shaped gland that is responsible for producing semen and transporting sperm. Many men, and some women, question, can prostate cancer spread?. Although its not always the case, this type of cancer is typically slow-growing. It lingers in the prostate gland without spreading or causing major damage.

However, if prostate cancer is left untreated, it will eventually destroy the prostate and spread to local and distant organs. The best thing you can do is be proactive, take control of your health, and be familiar with any changes going on in your body. With that said, regular checkups are important, but you can also do this yourself. If youre wondering how to check for prostate cancer at home, the best thing you can do is know what symptoms to look for, and stay knowledgeable about what the four stages of prostate cancer are.

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