Men usually say ‘it’s not so bad’ after ‘finger’ exam for prostate cancer- Dr McLean-Hobdy
The blood test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
PSA is mostly found in semen, which also is produced in the prostate. Small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood.
The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
However, according to the Mayo Clinic, many other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, also can increase PSA levels. Therefore, determining what a high PSA score means can be complicated.
Both tests recommended
This is why Dr Erole McLean-Hobdy, a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, and the visionary behind Virgin Islands Oncology and Hematology, still recommends the digital rectal exam.
Dr McLean-Hoddy was a guest on the radio show Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, September 25, 2023.
The discussion focussed on prostate cancer due to September being recognised as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
“We recommend doing both tests. I just talked about the blood test, which is very helpful. The second test which you are referring to is the finger…when the doctor will put the finger in the butt. They put it in the butt and they can feel the prostate, and you are feeling the prostate for lumps and bumps."
Dr McLean-Hobdy said the prostate gland should be smooth and if it feels a little lumpy and there is some concern then the doctor will need to take a piece of the prostate tissue for testing in a laboratory. This is called a biopsy.
"So even though we know the blood test is very reliable it’s not a perfect test, so that’s why we still recommend that you should do both [tests]," Dr McLean-Hobdy stated.
Who is most at risk for prostate cancer?
Noting that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, Dr McLean-Hobdy added that older men above 60 years of age and those with a family history are most at risk.
She also said prostate cancer is most common in black men.
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33 Responses to “Men usually say ‘it’s not so bad’ after ‘finger’ exam for prostate cancer- Dr McLean-Hobdy”
Moreover, a healthy nation is productive and progressive nation. Preventive care can, ie, routine testing and treatment can keep the territory healthy/healthier, lower national healthcare cost, lessen the burden on medical system and on providers. As such, healthcare must be accessible and affordable. Some medical providers needs to get a conscience, for their cost are unreasonably and extremely high; they are “Dear.” Your costs are making patients sicker which is contrarily and inconsistent with the Hippocratic Oath, ie, cause the patient no harm. The NHI system was well-intentioned but needs to be revamped. Specifically, the system should have set reasonable fixed costs for procedures. Providers who want to partake in the programme would have to agree to the terms and conditions. The current process is like putting rat to mind cheese. The greedy, sobs, etc are setting prices, seeing an opportunity to get wealth fast they are exploiting and raping system with the assistance of government. It makes one wonder if there were/is a conspiracy. The NHI system is going to collapse under its weighty burden. It will crash and burn. The current system is not sustainable. The system must be revamped to provide the best services to the most people at the least cost. There is a commentary running that the BVI is punching above its weight in sport. I’m excited about that but will be more excited if it were punching above its weight in accessible and affordable healthcare; healthcare is the most important national service. Some ah yu bex but who bex, bex. Truth is truth and painful and uncomfortable but real. Fix yourself—Norbert Wheatley aka Fix It.
If you only knew the many of men, who have succumbed to this-digital, fingeral, and other methodologies, barring none,-RUN, not walk, to get checkups..
Let us do what's neccesary as men, to stay alive!