Urology

Most men will develop some form of prostate problem in their lifetime. Symptoms can range from mild inconveniences to invasive cancers. Early prostate screening and testing is critical when it comes to the detection and management of prostate conditions, especially prostate cancer. If you're a male age 40+, it's important to work with a urologist or your primary care provider to determine when and how often you should complete preventative screenings.

Colorado Mountain Medical providers offer state-of-the-art screening tools for early detection of prostate cancer, including Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing. A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Small amounts of PSA, a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, ordinarily circulate in the blood. The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions.

Timing for your first PSA test and subsequent screenings depends on several factors, including age, individual risk factors, and personal preferences:

• High-Risk Males, age 40-49: Men at higher risk for prostate cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease (especially if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age) or certain genetic mutations, should consider discussing PSA testing with their healthcare provider starting as early as age 40.
• Average-Risk Males, age 50+: For men without pre-determined risk factors, PSA screening discussions typically begin around age 50. At this age, many healthcare providers offer baseline PSA testing to establish a comparison for future tests.

Early detection and treatment can prevent prostate cancer from spreading beyond the prostate. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 85% of individuals with prostate cancers that are detected and treated in the local or regional stages (stages I, II and III) will be disease-free after five years. Prostate cancers detected at the distant stage (stage IV) have an average five-year survival rate of only 28%.

To learn more about PSA testing and additional preventative prostate screenings, call (970) 926-6340 to schedule an appointment with a Colorado Mountain Medical urologist or primary care provider.

While urology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of male reproductive organs and urinary tract issues in both men and women, our team will work closely with your Gynecology provider when it comes to the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of female reproductive organ issues that may occur simultaneously with urinary-tract concerns.

Colorado Mountain Medical offers a full scope of obstetrics and gynecological services.