Get to a Healthier State

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred –
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

June is Men’s Health Month.  While this month’s message is targeted at men - women can also create awareness and educate the male members of their families and communities on the importance of maintaining good health all year long. 

As I mentioned in my April article, “Who’s the Boss?,” early detection and prevention are critical to a longer and healthier life. That’s why I encourage my patients to participate in gender-and age-appropriate screenings.

For men, a prostate cancer screening is just one example of looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. Two commonly used tests to screen for prostate cancer are 1) a physical exam and 2) prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be elevated in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be raised in other conditions that affect the prostate, so the best person to interpret test results is a physician. 

Prostate cancer may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages; therefore, early detection is critical. According to Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer that is more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Swelling in the legs
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain

If you are in doubt of any symptoms or are unsure if a prostate cancer screening is appropriate for you, visit with your doctor. If you’re enrolled in State Farm’s Group Medical PPO plan, remember to take advantage of the coverage offerings for preventive cancer screenings, including prostate cancer.

Thom, a Business Analyst in the Systems Department, was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate over nine years ago. Due to early detection, he stayed on top of his diagnosis by having multiple PSA tests. After Thom’s PSA levels started rising, his urologist performed a biopsy. “My first biopsy was inconclusive, yet my condition continued to exist,” says Thom. “Two years later, a second biopsy detected cancer. The next step was a radical prostatectomy (RP).”

Even after his RP, Thom’s PSA levels continued to increase. “Another surgery wasn’t possible. After several tests, the decision was made to have radiation,” adds Thom. “Since the radiation treatment in 2007, the PSA level in my blood is less than 0.1 part per million. In other words, it’s undetectable and I am proud to say that I am a prostate cancer survivor; now cancer free!” Although he survived cancer, Thom continues to monitor his PSA levels by visiting a urologist two times a year.

The rate of men getting prostate cancer or dying from prostate cancer varies by race and ethnicity, with the highest incidence occurring in African American men. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the incidence of prostate cancer has remained level for most categories of men; however, there is encouraging news! From 1998 – 2007 (the latest year for which data is available), deaths from prostate cancer have significantly decreased for most groups of men. It is unknown if this is due to early detection, better treatment or a combination of both. Either way, it is a positive trend for survival rates.

Thom’s survival is a great testimony to early detection. You too can get to a healthier state by scheduling your preventive screenings today!  Empowering you to Live Well, Be Well.

Additional Resources
Smoking alone can be deadly. A combination of smoking and prostate cancer may be even deadlier!  Reduce your risks with help from State Farm’s Quit for Life® tobacco cessation program.

Unsure if screening is right for you?  Check out the Prostate Cancer Screening Guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Need help coping with prostate cancer? Find support groups in your area, such as the American Cancer Society’s Man to Man program or the State Farm Survivors Group.

Find a variety of resources and tools regarding men’s health topics on the Men’s Health Center offered by Medicine.net.