A study shows that scanning using magnetic waves and radio waves — or commonly known as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — is more effective at detecting prostate cancer than blood tests that measure PSA levels.
The study was conducted at University College London, UK. Researchers there performed blood tests to measure PSA and MRI scans on a group of 303 men.
PSA or prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by prostate gland cells. High PSA levels are often associated with prostate cancer.
As a result, 29 of them were diagnosed with prostate cancer. MRI scans uncovered all of the cases, while blood tests only half. This means that some blood tests mistakenly show PSA levels to be normal, or cancer-free.
Caroline Moore, a urologist at University College London, welcomed the findings.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at Neurospin in Gif-sur-Yvette, southwest of Paris. (Photo: AFP/Alain JOCARD)
“This is really exciting news. What we do is we invite men to do prostate cancer screening, and we ask them to do MRI scans and PSA tests. And what we’ve found is that MRI is much more effective at detecting cancer that requires treatment compared to blood tests alone,” he said.
British actor Colin McFarlane, who often appears in Hollywood films, also welcomed him. He himself only found out he had prostate cancer last December through an MRI scan.
He suggested, the UK held a national campaign program that socializes the importance of prostate cancer testing.
MRI More Effectively Detects Prostate Cancer
“I hope the UK will do a national inspection because that’s what we need. National inspection is key. America, Spain and Brazil have already done it. They invite men to come and have a PSA blood test at age 45. We haven’t done that yet. If men are not aware of the dangers, they may not be willing to go for a checkup. They will think that their health is fine,” he said.
Prostate cancer often doesn’t show significant symptoms for years. As a result, without examination, this disease can get worse and difficult to cure.
Early examination is highly recommended. The reason is, if detected early, the chances of recovery will be greater.
Studies show that, in general, one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Worryingly, among black men, the rate rises to 1 in 4. [ab/uh]
2023-08-28 14:55:11
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