Recently, actor Ben Stiller announced to the world that he had been diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer.
Known for his roles in popular films such as Zoolander, There’s Something About Mary and Meet the Fockers, the comedic star credited his success in beating this deadly disease to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test given during his annual physical two years ago.
“If I hadn’t gotten the test—my doctor started giving it to me at 46—I still wouldn’t know,” stated Stiller during an interview on The Howard Stern Show. “I wanted to talk about it because of the test because I feel like the test saved my life.”
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the levels of the PSA protein in a man’s body, which is produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. The prostate is a small gland located behind the bladder that secretes a fluid which nourishes and protects sperm.
Stiller’s reveal re-emphasizes that cancer knows no age, race, ethnicity or tax bracket. In fact, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting 1 in 7 men.
It is essential that men take advantage of the PSA test, especially those over 40 or those who may have a family history of the condition.
Meet the Prostate Cancer Specialists
At Partners in Urology, our physicians fully support and specialize in PSA testing. We are dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our patients, discussing the pros and cons of this and other testing methods to detect prostate cancer, as well as determining what treatments are the best course of action to meet individual needs.
For more information on PSA testing or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today.
