DR. DREW ENCOURAGES MEN TO GET TESTED

Television and radio personality Dr. Drew Pinsky has good reason to be passionate about the innovative developments in prostate cancer research as a prostate cancer survivor. He’s also a Board member with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Mediaplanet spoke with him about the importance of staying vigilant with PSA testing.

Mediaplanet What is your involvement with the Prostate Cancer Foundation?

Dr. Drew Pinsky I am on the Foundation Board, and we fund the most creative research. If a scientist is doing some interesting research, we let them do it. They’re smart, they have good ideas, and it’s yielded great breakthroughs. We are on the verge of being able to do some amazing things without having to poison people, which is what chemotherapy and radiation does.

MP What is a PSA test, and who should get one?

DP It’s a blood test that is used to screen for prostate cancer. Men over 50 years of age should have a PSA test once a year. If you have a first-degree relative that has had prostate cancer, then screening should begin in your 40s.

MP Whydo men put off getting a PSA test?

DP We avoid doctors like we avoid asking for directions. Men don’t want doctors monkeying around “down there”. They don’t want their performance down there affected. It freaks us out a little. I’m no better than anyone else. It was my wife who made an appointment for me to see the doctor.

MP How important is early intervention when it comes to prostate cancer?

DP Early intervention is important, because the further along the cancer is, the worse the prognosis and the harder it will be to treat. Don’t be an idiot like me. I understand why you would be reluctant to see your doctor, but waiting until it goes away is not a good strategy.