Prostate Exams

Men lined up outside the prostate screening bus even before it rolled into Champaign. Jessie Owens says: Because i want to live and i understand you need to get this checked quite often. The free and confidential screening was done by urologists and nurses at Christie Clinic.... along with the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. A quick blood test and digital rectal exam take minutes... but could add years to your life. Dr. Eric Helfer says: We recommend early screenings for prostate cancer because it is the most common cancer in men. Its the second most common cause of death in men, but its also a very curable cancer. Earlier detection means earlier treatments and advances in surgery are taking the pain out of the procedure. Dr. Helfer says: From a surgery standpoint, we now do robotic surgeries for prostatectomies which help with the healing time. Recovery time is much faster. Doctors are still investigating if its as effective in killing all cancer cells. But early results show it is. Dr. Helfer says: It may be even better in that were able to spare the nerves so that men can have erections afterward and decreased blood loss. But screenings dont just pick up early cancer cells.. Dr. Helfer says: Obviously the first reason we check is prostate cancer but prostate enlargement and infection can also cause an elevated PSA. These men know making their health a priority saves lives. Owens says: Its best to get everything checked and be on the safe side.