Discover Screening Options for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Discover Screening Options for Prostate Cancer Awareness NZ
Prostate Cancer awareness is gradually improving. Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (apart from skin cancers) in Aotearoa. Every year, over 4,000 men are diagnosed with this disease. Whilst these figures are sobering, they are due to an increased testing rate, enabling diagnosis at an earlier stage, which, coupled with improved treatments, increases the number of positive outcomes.
Learn more about the different imaging options available and what they do during September's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ recommends that men over 50 (40+ if known family history) be tested at least every one to two years using both Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) tests. The initial test will find a baseline level, and subsequent tests can be recorded to note any significant change that may warrant further investigation.
You may be referred to Canopy Imaging for imaging or biopsy to aid with diagnosis. Canopy Imaging’s MRI imaging services are one of many options available. Read on to explore how a PMSA-PET scan and CT scan can help your diagnosis with Prostate Cancer imaging services.
What are the examinations most commonly used for diagnosis of Prostate Cancer at Canopy Imaging?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is utilised to measure the size of the prostate and to detect any areas of abnormality within the gland itself and surrounding areas of the pelvis. The MRI scan can also be used to guide MRI-Ultrasound fusion biopsy.
For this examination, your pelvis is positioned in the middle of the MRI machine, allowing your head to be at one end of the machine. You are given an injection of contrast to further assist in tissue characterisation. The examination typically takes 30 minutes. Read more about MRI prostate cancer imaging services as part of Prostate Cancer awareness.
This specialised PET scan uses radioactive Gallium, which is tagged to attach itself to a protein found on prostate cells called Prostate–Specific Membrane Antigen.
This very sensitive scan will detect prostate cells anywhere in your body, as the Gallium will attach to the cell and appear on the whole-body scan. PMSA-PET scans are typically used to see if cancer cells have migrated away from the prostate gland and formed metastases in other sites.
Computerised tomography (CT) is a specialised X-ray examination that combines many X-ray images to generate cross-sectional views of the body. CT provides detailed images of internal organs and bony structures to assess other causes of symptoms or the spread of disease.
Knowing the different examination options is important for raising Prostate Cancer awareness. If presented with a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, you may require ongoing imaging throughout your treatment to assist the team in reviewing the treatment progress.
Canopy Cancer Care is a leading provider of private medical oncology services across the North Island. Our team specialises in the care of patients requiring cancer treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy, hormone therapy and more targeted treatments. For more information, meet our cancer specialists.
Where can I get an MRI or CT scan?
- Canopy Imaging, Kensington Ave, Whangārei
- Canopy Imaging, Shakespeare Rd, Milford, Auckland
- Canopy Imaging, Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland
- Canopy Imaging, Ormiston Hospital, Flat Bush, Auckland
- Canopy Imaging, Haupapa Street, Rotorua
- Canopy Imaging, Prospect Rd, Hastings
- Canopy Imaging, Canning Rd, Hastings
- Broadway Radiology, Palmerston North
- Absolute Radiology, New Plymouth
Where can I get a PMSA-PET Scan?
Canopy Imaging Molecular Imaging and Therapy Centre will open in November 2024 in Hastings.
Book an appointment at Canopy Imaging today
Book an appointment now. Our friendly staff are here to assist you with any questions and ensure your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
HYPERLINKS
MRI - https://www.canopyimaging.co.nz/services/mri/
MRI prostate cancer imaging services
https://trgimaging.co.nz/about-us/trg-news/unlocking-the-advantages-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging-for-prostate-cancer/
Molecular Imaging and Therapy Centre
https://trgimaging.co.nz/about-us/trg-news/canopy-imaging-hastings/
Cancer specialists
https://www.canopycancercare.co.nz/cancer-specialists
