Private MD News

Experts say misconceptions prevent men from seeking PSA testing

Category: Prostate

With all the information that is available these days, men often come across misconceptions about prostate cancer. However, experts worry that these falsehoods could stop them from seeking potentially life-saving PSA testing.

For example, Dr. Bert Vorstman, a North Carolina-based physician, says that many individuals believe that prostate cancer testing can damage their prostate, resulting in a range of sexual side effects.

However, he said that this risk is low to nonexistent, particularly when it comes to PSA testing. This procedure is completely safe and has almost no risk of side effects.

"There are treatment options available, and many of them are minimally invasive with a low level of risk," he said.

He recommended that men avoid listening to their friends and stop placing so much credence on information they read. Instead, they should pursue regular PSA testing, and follow their doctors' advice in the event that a growth is discovered. Doctors may recommend a range of treatment options, each of which carries their own risks and benefits.