Throw out the words “prostate testing” to some male friends and watch the excuses fly. Seems no one wants any part of that.
Yet that’s not necessarily a good thing. Because despite the aura of invincibility we guys like to fool ourselves with, it pays to do a little proactive prostate testing if you want to stay invincible. At least in your own mind.
This is especially true since half of those who develop prostate cancer have no advanced warning. That’s right no signs or symptoms. None. It’s a silent killer that kinda sneaks up on you. Passing through the easily curable stage without so much as a whimper.
Just because you are the healthiest guy in your group of friends doesn’t make you immune either. Eat right. Exercise. Avoid all the bad things others get hooked on and you can still end up with prostate cancer.
It’s that much more important if you are in one of the high risk groups. Like someone with a family history of prostate issues or if you are an African American. Given that, your sense of invincibility is already diminished without you knowing it.
In this case it wouldn’t hurt to get your first annual prostate exam right after you’ve passed 30. As opposed to waiting until you’re closing in on 50 like others can.
Yet guys tend to avoid going to the doctor unless it’s something serious. Cheerfully taking the approach no news is good news. And in that case seeing no need for the kind of poking and prodding that comes with a digital rectal exam. All of which makes a preventative checkup a hard sell for some.
Listen up. That is simply not smart. Since a few minutes with your physician, even if not pleasant, can help avert a tragedy. Yours.
It just takes some blood work, a digital rectal exam (that’s the unpleasant poking part), to detect a problem when it’s most curable. Where you have more treatment options and odds are 9 out of 10 times you’ll be cured.
So yes, how far along your cancer is when detected can make a life and death difference. Get it when its still in the prostate and you’ve ahead of the game. Find out it’s spread and you’re definitely behind the curve.
Sure waiting until you’re in pain is an easy attitude to take. Then you know you’ve got to do something. But can’t you see being just a bit proactive can make a world of difference?
Put aside embarrassment. Put aside your distaste for what’s involved. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about having the PSA testing done. It’s no exaggeration to say the life you save may be your own.
So why can’t you be bothered?
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