Prostate cancer surgery, also known as radical prostatectomy, is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues within the pelvis that are affected by cancerous growths. While this procedure doesn’t cure cancer, it can drastically reduce the chances of your cancer spreading through the body, and even lengthen your life expectancy if performed at the right time. If you’ve just undergone prostate cancer surgery, then it’s crucial to monitor your PSA levels to ensure that all of the cancerous cells have been removed from your body.
What happens if your PSA levels rise after prostate cancer surgery?
If your PSA levels rise after prostate cancer surgery, it’s important to monitor the situation closely. Your doctor may recommend additional testing or treatments. Rising PSA levels may indicate that the cancer has returned or that you have a new cancer. In either case, prompt treatment is important. Fortunately, there are many effective therapies available today. With early detection and treatment, you can often achieve a good outcome.
What can you do to help prevent this from happening?
Prostate cancer surgery can be an effective treatment, but it’s important to monitor your PSA levels afterwards. If your PSA levels rise, it could be a sign that the cancer has come back. There are some things you can do to help prevent this from happening:
- Get regular checkups and blood tests to monitor your PSA levels.
- Live a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, and managing stress.
- Avoid anything that could potentially raise your PSA levels, such as smoking or taking certain supplements.
- Keep up with your regular medical appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What are some methods for keeping your levels down?
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for keeping your PSA levels down.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health, both of which can help keep your PSA levels down.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer and can also raise your PSA levels.
- Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your PSA levels and is also linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Get regular checkups.
When should you be concerned about your rising PSA levels?
If you have had surgery to remove your prostate cancer, it is important to monitor your PSA levels. Your doctor will likely order a PSA test a few months after your surgery. If your PSA levels are rising, it could be a sign that the cancer has returned. There are other reasons why your PSA levels might rise, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned. There are treatments available if the cancer does return, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Who else may need to monitor their numbers?
If you have had surgery to remove your prostate, it is important to monitor your PSA levels. A rising PSA level may be a sign that the cancer has returned. Your doctor will likely order tests to confirm this. Other men who have had prostate cancer surgery may also need to monitor their PSA levels for the same reason.
Your doctor will monitor your levels, but there are also tests you can take at home to determine whether a rise in your numbers is normal. These tests typically involve taking a sample of urine and testing it for elevated levels of PSA, which is produced by both healthy and cancerous prostate cells. Getting familiar with these at-home tests before you get surgery can help ensure that you know what to look for after your procedure. You may be able to buy test kits over-the-counter or find them for free at certain community centers and health clinics. Your doctor may also have some on hand that you can use right away.
