Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, affecting approximately 1 in 8. Early detection and accurate staging are crucial for optimal outcomes. While the PSA blood test has long been a standard screening tool, a newer imaging technique called PSMA PET scanning is gaining attention for its ability to detect whether cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Experts and patient advocates are encouraging men to learn more about this test and discuss it with their doctors.
Dr. Phillip Koo, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, emphasizes the importance of PSMA testing. '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,' he explains. PSMA is present in 80-90% of prostate cancer patients, making it a valuable target for imaging and treatment.
Bill, a prostate cancer survivor and patient advocate, shares his personal experience with PSMA testing. After his diagnosis 18 years ago, he proactively sought information and discovered PSMA. 'I took that to my doctor, and we decided that that would be a great course of action in our attack plan to this disease,' he recalls. The test provided him with clarity about his disease status, which he found empowering. 'It helped me understand truly where I am in this journey and the status of our based on the PSMA results, and knew it was going to give me a leg up on moving forward with treatments,' he says.
The implications of PSMA testing extend beyond diagnosis. It can guide treatment decisions, helping doctors choose the most appropriate therapies at the right time. Dr. Koo notes, 'PSMA is so important with regards to detecting disease and also determining the appropriate treatments that patients should receive down the road.' This personalized approach can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
For men considering PSMA testing, Dr. Koo advises proactive communication with healthcare providers. 'Patients need to speak up, and they also need to be heard. To accomplish this, 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,' he says. Knowing your PSMA status is 'vitally important to your cancer care,' he adds.
Bill echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of taking an active role. 'I've never been a passive participant in this process; I always take an active role because information is power,' he says. He encourages other men to ask questions and insist on getting the answers they need.
The campaign, sponsored by Novartis, aims to educate men about PSMA testing and its benefits. For more information, patients can visit GetYourScan.com to learn about the PSMA scan and how to advocate for this important test. As Dr. Koo and Bill highlight, being informed and proactive can make a significant difference in prostate cancer care.
