Stage 4 Prostate Cancer

Tests and procedures to diagnose prostate cancer may include:

Blood tests. Blood tests can measure the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Also called PSA, this chemical is made in the prostate. Sometimes prostate cancer causes the prostate to make extra PSA. Having a higher than expected level of PSA in the blood may be a sign of prostate cancer.
Imaging tests. Imaging tests take pictures that show the inside of the body. Tests for prostate cancer may include MRI, CT, bone scans and positron emission tomography scans, also called PET scans.
Removing a sample of tissue for testing, also called a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for testing in a lab. A health professional might remove the sample using a needle that is put through the skin and into the cancer. Sometimes surgery is needed to get the tissue sample. The sample is sent to a lab for testing.

In the lab, the sample is tested to see if it is cancer. Other specialized tests can show what DNA changes are present in the cancer cells. The results help your health care team create your treatment plan.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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