Markers
One of the most significant challenges in prostate cancer is identifying disease that needs to be treated and the treatment plan that is best for each patient. The United States Preventive Services Task Force outlined this need recently, stating the importance of identifying testable characteristics of prostate cancer and the need to predict poor health outcomes. Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) is joined by many scientists and industry biomarker and genomic diagnostic testings companies working to close this gap for patients and physicians. This newsletter highlights several new and pipeline biomarkers that our panel of experts believe have the potential to significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
What are prostate cancer markers?
What is a prostate cancer marker? As defined by the National Cancer Institute, a marker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. It may also refer to mutations, changes, or patterns in a tumor's DNA. Doctors may use marker tests to learn if you have cancer. These tests can also help doctors to learn more about your cancer and help to plan treatment.
Why are prostate cancer markers important?
Prostate cancer markers are greatly impacting the world of prostate cancer from early detection through diagnosis, by helping men to better understand their risk of having the disease and identifying the aggressiveness of the disease if present. These tests can also help doctors to learn more about your cancer and help to plan treatment.
Bringing Access!
Prostate cancer markers are now becoming more accessible than ever to men across the country! Many of these markers are now covered by Medicare and many other private insurance companies. Also, often the marker companies themselves will have a financial assistance program to help patients gain access to their tests. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about coverage of these markers or about financial assistance programs!
