PITTSBURGH -- When detecting prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society says routine testing before the age of 50 is only necessary for high-risk groups such as African-Americans or men with a family history, but a UPMC urologist is aggressively lobbying for screening at a younger age.
Dr. Joel Nelson, of UPMC's Department of Urology, agrees with the American Urological Association's recommendation for prostate cancer screenings to start at the age of 40
"Because those are the people who have the most to lose if you don't pick it up. If OK at 40, you can wait several more years before you start testing again," said Nelson.
Nelson encourages those going for screenings to also undergo a physical and blood test, also known as a PSA.
Nelson patient Bill Thomasmeyer, who underwent surgery in the spring, had a clean PSA, but did not have a physical exam.
"What is unusually in my case is it was actually discovered by the doctor giving me my colonoscopy," said Thomasmeyer.
Thomasmeyer, 54, opted for surgery over radiation.
"Being young, and given the particulars of my disease, I decided I really wanted to have the surgery," said Thomasmeyer.
Although a slow-growing cancer, Nelson said it was best for those diagnosed to treat it young.
"In young men, we treat it because we assume if we don't, it is going to get to the point where it can not be cured," said Nelson.
Possible side effects can include a 1/30 chance of some incontinence.
Sexual function depends on the man's age, the extent of the cancer and the person's history.
Thomasmeyer said he's been doing fine.
"Statistically, I am considered cured. There is a 95 percent chance that 10 years from now I will be cancer free," said Thomasmeyer.
Those opting for surgery are encouraged to do their research when finding a qualified surgeon.
"I say, in general, you want a surgeon that's certainly done over 100, 150 in a year would be better," said Nelson.
Those opting for surgery also have to choose between open surgery, the kind performed by Nelson, or minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Nelson pointed to a study last week that showed robotic surgery had higher rates of incontinence and loss of sexual function that open surgery, but was easier on the patient around the time of the operation when dealing with bleeding, length of hospital stay and stress placed on the heart and breathing.
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