PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, can help detect prostate cancer early. To confirm the results of the PSA, a prostate biopsy is often performed, though the biopsy is not without risks.
However, many men with early prostate cancer are advised to watch and wait to see if it is aggressive. A new article suggests that a simple conversation between a patient and their doctor can make a huge difference, but it often does not happen due to time constraints.
The article suggests that if this time is spent — especially if the doctor and patient have a trusting relationship — it can help with decision-making. Two other key suggestions are doctors using everyday knowledge and the availability of written information at the visit.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
