The House unanimously passed H.R. 6092, also called the Veterans’ Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act which is designed to establish a national clinical pathway for prostate cancer. This standardized system of care has been designed to enhance treatment and increase access to clinical trials via a registry for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the Veterans Health Administration.

The prostate cancer rate for veterans is nearly double that of civilians. These service members have dedicated their lives to the American people and they deserve to receive the same high quality care any one of us would expect when faced with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The House of Representatives has helped to ensure that the nearly half a million veterans facing prostate cancer are no longer subjected to the risks of an unorganized health system.
This effort was sponsored by Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. who is a former urologist. No timetable has been set for when the Senate may vote on the measure, but it’s expected to move quickly through the Senate.

There are more than 3.6 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Thanks in part to reliable diagnostic tests and numerous treatment options, nearly 100 percent of men are still alive five years after a prostate cancer diagnosis, 98 percent are alive 10 years after diagnosis, and about 96 percent are alive 15 years after diagnosis.

Prostate cancer survivors need regular follow-up tests to determine whether their prostate cancer has recurred or progressed. According to experts at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), most prostate cancer survivors should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test every six to 12 months for the first five years after active treatment ends, then annually thereafter. Also, a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE) is recommended for some men, although this exam is not as important as PSA testing.

Prostate cancer survivors also need to be checked regularly for any new cancers that may develop. As an example, men treated with radiation therapy, particularly external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), have a slightly higher risk of developing bladder cancer than those who had a radical prostatectomy. In addition, the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer may be slightly higher for these patients.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends following cancer screening guidelines for higher risk individuals where they exist. If any new symptoms develop in prostate cancer survivors, such as blood in the urine or rectal bleeding, those patients need to report them to the doctor right away.

Some health providers feel that the lack of testing for prostate cancer today could be considered as a public health crisis.

The Simple Test Game Changer

The Journal of Urology has recently announced that miR Scientific, a healthcare company founded for the purpose of transforming cancer management, has validated its breakthrough, standalone liquid biopsy urine test for prostate cancer.
The validation study suggests that miR’s Sentinel test may be a much-needed and much-anticipated game-changer for men, clinicians, and healthcare providers as it could possibly replace today’s uncomfortable and invasive needle biopsies with a straightforward urine sample.

The test could potentially reduce three quarters of the prostate biopsies currently conducted. It could also drastically improve the coverage ratio of men tested.

According to the new study, the test detects the presence of cancer as well as classifies its aggressiveness for ongoing monitoring with over 91% sensitivity and specificity. Results are returned in just 7 days. Based on a urine sample, the Sentinel test produces its results by isolating molecules called small-non-coding RNAs, which are produced at or near the first inception of a prostate tumor.

This test leverages a proprietary algorithm to analyze the combination of these molecules present in the urine, and this analysis results in the cancer diagnosis and classification by stage.

Studies have shown that people who generally eat more vegetables lead a healthier lifestyle. They tend to exercise more regularly and keep their weight to a normal level.

All of these factors are associated with better prostate outcomes. But it’s important that men with a family history maintain vigilance no matter what their diet or exercise regime.

When it comes to prostate cancer, a general rule to follow is that heart-healthy is prostate healthy. Men who have factors that are healthier for their heart such as blood pressure, cholesterol and weight are ultimately helping their prostate as well.

And of course, good exercise and diet doesn’t just help with prostate cancer. It also helps men avoid many other serious health issues.

In the United States one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according the American Cancer Society. Yet many men are putting off life-saving cancer screenings due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Prostate cancer is far too common to ignore; however, some men are unwilling to get checked during the pandemic.

The method for testing for prostate cancer is simple: a conversation with your doctor and a blood draw. The initial prostate cancer screening is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) exam. It is not a physical exam. A doctor can include PSA test with any lab order for blood work.

How pandemic habits may contribute to increased risk

There is an important diet, fitness and wholeness component to prostate cancer that many men are unaware of. These factors all have a significant impact on health outcomes.

Since the pandemic there has been an increase of bad habits among patients who are coping with being shut in/much more inactive. These habits can contribute to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Additional pandemic-based risk factors include:

– Men are putting off healthcare and ignoring health issues because of the pandemic even though testing continues to be crucial.
– Doctors are seeing a surge in weight gain/belly fat from patients because they are reporting lack of exercise and poor diet choices. Studies show if your belly circumference measures greater than 36 inches, you are at greater risk of prostate cancer.
– Smoking. As a coping mechanism, many men have started smoking or have upped their smoking because they are experiencing stress, boredom and loneliness during the pandemic. Many health professionals feel that smoking can dictate the level of prostate cancer a man will have and also affect their ability to fight it.

Important facts about prostate cancer

– Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, both in the U.S. and globally.
– Approximately 192,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year: 1 in 9 men. 1 in 6 African American men.
– All men are at risk, but the risk increases significantly as men age. Men from 55 to 70 should talk with their doctor about a PSA testing on a 1 to 2-year basis.

Risk factors and early screening

Some men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer at a significantly younger age; as early as 40 years old. Early prostate cancer screening including a PSA test has been suggested by some doctors for men ages 40-54 if they meet the following criteria:

– They are of African-American decent.
– They have a father, brother, son, uncle or grandfather who has had prostate cancer.