A study was released showing an increased suicide rate among men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer, but prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, may actually be reducing the risk, rather than increasing it. Harvard researchers are reporting that men who had the testing done and discovered that their tumors weren't as aggressive, were not as vulnerable to suicide as men who were unsure.
A PSA test is a measure of the prostate-specific antigen levels in a man's blood. PSA levels are able to detect diseases because the levels increase when prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions are found. The levels serve as a type of 'marker' for tumors. The testing doesn't give doctors complete detailed evidence on the state of tumors in the prostate, but if the levels are low, it can help both doctors and patients decide on whether further testing should happen or not.
Married men also appeared to be a smaller suicide risk than single men. The testing also revealed that emotional counseling decreased the risks. By providing support after diagnosis, no matter the seriousness of the cancer detection, the mental health of the patient improved, thus lowering the risks.
Cardiovascular risks are as significant as suicide. Due to the added stress of the diagnosis and hormone treatment, as well other factors, 6,845 men out of the 343,497 tested died of cardiovascular disease. These results furthered the idea of mental health treatment and emotional counseling.
Written by Amy Munday
Huliq.com
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