All men aged over 50 should undergo blood tests for a
prostate-specific antigen (PSA), French and Chinese medical experts
urged yesterday.
Early detection of prostate cancer was crucial in preventing
further premature deaths from the condition, they said.
The researchers were speaking at a public education lecture on
prostate cancer and heart disease.
Those with high-risk factors such as having a family history of
cancer or previous prostate diseases were advised to receive
checkups every six months.
PSA is a protein in prostate cells. People with prostate cancer
often have high levels of PSA in their blood.
The cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world; it is
the second highest cause of death among American cancer
patients.
Prostate cancer has been the No. 1 male reproductive system
cancer in Shanghai since 2000, with patient numbers growing every
year. These figures could be linked to the aging population and the
popularity of unhealthy lifestyles involving fatty diets.
(Shanghai Daily November 28, 2007)