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The prostate is a small gland that sits next to a man’s bladder. It is about the size of a walnut and a man does not have to have it to live. Cancer of the prostate is common- about 12% of men are found to have it in their lifetime. It is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the USA and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. Since the prostate is not required for any vital bodily process, it usually does not cause any symptoms until it is large or has already spread to other parts of the body. Once a cancer spreads to another part of the body it is very difficult to treat. Fortunately, there is a blood test that can help predict when a man is developing prostate cancer and can show signs of cancer long before symptoms develop. The earlier cancer is detected the easier it is to treat. This test is called the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and if a doctor believes the test will be helpful and orders it, the PSA can be measured at Columbus Community Hospital after drawing a vial of blood. It is ok to eat and drink before having this test and it can be done any time of day. Men are expected to have a small amount of PSA in their blood as the prostate releases this chemical through normal body processes but when the PSA gets above a certain level there is increased risk that prostate cancer is present. It can also be helpful to monitor changes in the PSA level from year to year as sudden increases in the number can also be a cause for concern. A high PSA does not guarantee that a man has prostate cancer and the number is expected to slowly increase with time. Most experts do not recommend screening for prostate cancer before a man turns 50 as the older a man gets, the higher his risk of prostate cancer gets. Prostate cancer is rare in younger men. Some experts recommend getting a PSA level drawn every 1-2 years to monitor for risk of prostate cancer. As with any medical test, the first thing to do with the result of a PSA test is to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it. After reviewing your history, they may not feel anything has to be done about it. If they are concerned, they may suggest repeat testing of the PSA or make a referral to a urologist (a prostate specialist) to investigate it further.
Read moreCardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a general term that includes many different conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. According to the American Heart Association, over 39 million American men (1 in 3) suffer from one or more of these conditions, and every year just under half a million of them die of cardiovascular disease (1 in 4 men)—that’s more than cancers and diabetes combined. Approximately 392,000 men and 419,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year. CVD is also a major cause of disability and decreases the quality of life for millions of people.
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Depression is under-diagnosed in men. Men are over four times more likely than women to commit suicide.
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Eleven firefighting agencies were in full response mode Sunday, June 14 battling a fire at Stallman Dryer on FM 1693 in the Garwood area.
Read moreThe public is invited to celebrate LGBTQ Pride month Thursday, June 18 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Courtyard Wine Bar at Live Oak Art Center. The Courtyard Wine Bar is located at 1014 Milam in Columbus.
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As the Fall 2020-2021 session of school approaches, newly hired Columbus ISD Superintendent Jim Connor is settling into his office. Connor was named interim Superintendent in early April after Dr. Brian Morris announced his resignation. Connor, who previously served as the district’s Curriculum Director, was the sole applicant for the position, and was officially hired at the last CISD school board meeting.
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Melissa A. Landin was hired as the City Administrator for the City of Eagle Lake at last Tuesday’s city council meeting.
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Juneteenth (observed June 19) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
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