Cancer. It’s a terrifying concept. It’s not so much the idea of what the disease does to you that worries most, it’s the fact there’s always the chance to avoid the consequences. Sadly, not many people are aware of what’s happening to their bodies until it’s far too late. Although, thanks to the power of SCIENCE (insert my best Bill Nye impression here) we’re getting closer and closer to home solutions that can help put you ahead of any cause for concern. Just like women have their at home pregnancy tests, men might have something similar for their prostate.
Chemists are working on developing something that’s really quite incredible: a home prostate test that relies on nothing but your own urine. Right now the test is being offered in a variety of clinics however, with a few more years of research, we might soon be able to effectively test for this malicious disease in the comfort of our own bathroom — even though you’ll have to pee in a cup, or maybe on a strip. In simple terms, there is a gene mutation that appears in urine that is called T2:ERG which is a mix of the “transmembrane serine protease” (TMPRSS2) and the “ETS transcription factor” (ERG). Both of these genes are known for producing various proteins that directly contribute to the development of cancers. Melded together as T2:ERG, they form a deadly cluster of genes gone rogue. When these genes begin their mischievous dance of danger the first and foremost thing is to find them before they can turn their little dance into a full-on ballroom blitz in your prostate.
While the urine test is not the most definitive process to detect prostate cancer, it certainly provides a great start. Hopefully within the next few years, this technology will be mastered and available on store shelves. In the meantime, people like me will always be here to help you out. Fact of the matter is that men 41 and older run a high risk of developing prostate cancer. To make things a little bit easier, we’ve had this chart put together for explaining the American Urological Association’s guidelines for when you should get tested.
Until the home urine test becomes available to the masses you can never be too safe. Just remember that the opinion and assistance of a professional can make all the difference in the health of you and your prostate.
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