Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, affecting approximately 1 in 8. Early detection is critical for successful outcomes, and while the PSA blood test has long been the standard screening tool, a newer imaging technique known as PSMA PET scan is gaining prominence for its ability to detect the spread of cancer cells. This article explores why PSMA testing matters and how it can empower patients, as discussed by Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Bill, a patient living with prostate cancer for 18 years.
Dr. Koo emphasizes the importance of early screening: "Unfortunately, prostate cancer is very common and affects roughly 1 in 8 men, that’s why early screening and detection is so important." The PSA test, a simple blood test, has been used for decades to detect disease early, maximizing chances for the best outcomes, including cure. He recommends that men discuss with their doctors when to get this test.
For those unfamiliar with PSMA, Dr. Koo explains: "PSMA is a biomarker that can be imaged using PET to determine if the prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, which is vital to determining your next steps for care." This information is crucial because it helps tailor treatment plans. Notably, "over 80 to 90% of prostate cancer patients express that biomarker," making PSMA testing widely applicable.
Bill, a patient advocate, shares his journey: "I've always been a person that should take charge, and one of the things I did right after I was diagnosed 18 years ago with prostate cancer was seek knowledge... I came across this listing about PSMA, and I took that to my doctor, and we decided that that would be a great course of action." He describes his excitement upon learning about the test: "Once I found out exactly what it was, I was very, very excited, because it helped me understand truly where I am in this journey... and knew it was going to give me a leg up on moving forward with treatments." After receiving his PSMA scan results, Bill collaborated with his oncologist to craft a plan of action, emphasizing, "information is power, and when you ask the questions and insist upon getting the right answers... is key to your success."
Dr. Koo stresses the importance of patient-doctor collaboration: "Patients need to speak up, and they also need to be heard... patients need to go out and learn as much about this as possible, because that'll allow them to feel empowered to have those conversations, because knowing your PSMA status is vitally important to your cancer care."
For more information, patients can visit GetYourScan.com to learn about the PSMA scan and how to advocate for this important test.
In conclusion, PSMA testing offers a significant advantage in prostate cancer management by providing detailed information about the disease's spread, enabling more personalized treatment strategies. Patients like Bill demonstrate the value of proactive involvement, and experts urge men to discuss this option with their healthcare providers.
