Published by Rodale
August 2004; $14.95US/$21.95CAN; 1-57954-732-X
Breakthrough medical tests can find dozens of deadly diseases before it's too late. But because of the state of modern healthcare (with insurers' red tape and doctors' busy schedules), most of us don't know that these tests are available -- let alone which ones to have, what they're called, or how to ask for them.
That's all about to change. With this book, you'll learn how to determine if you're at risk for life-threatening conditions. Once you gauge your risk levels, Drs. Johnson and Sandmire teach you which tests to request from your doctor and how to make sure you get them. Genetic tests for cancer risk, the latest blood tests for heart disease, and even older tests like ultrasound have one thing in common: They can save your life.
Authors
David Johnson, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chairman in the department of physiology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine.
David Sandmire, M.D., is an associate professor in the department of biological sciences at the University of New England. Both authors live in Kennebunk, Maine.
Daniel Klein has written numerous books on science, medicine, and psychology. He currently resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Reviews
"Drs. Johnson and Sandmire have captured a lot of what I learned in 10 years of medical training in one focused text. This book tackles many of society's medical issues and transforms them into one easily readable format."
--Terence K. Gray, D.O., Clinical Fellow, Harvard Medical School
"A great resource for the American healthcare consumer that explains complex medical conditions in understandable language."
--James M. Blum, Ph.D., chief executive officer and manager, Marshall-Blum, Herbal Research Clinic
"Dr. Johnson and Dr. Sandmire have written a fresh and welcome guide that will certainly enhance and improve the doctor/patient relationship. I truly believe that this book will change -- and save -- lives."
--John Caramagna, D.O., Diplomate -- American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
"This book is a literary triumph in preventive medicine. Drs. Johnson and Sandmire present an honest assessment of our current healthcare system, and an easy-to-understand self-help manual enabling each of us to take a proactive role in our personal health."
--Alan N. Weiner, D.O., Portland, Maine-based specialist in nutritional and environmental medicine
Excerpt
The following is an excerpt from the book Medical Tests That Can Save Your Life: 21 Tests Your Doctor Won't Order ... Unless You Know to Ask
by David Johnson, Ph.D., and David Sandmire, M.D. with Daniel Klein
Published by Rodale; August 2004; $14.95US/$21.95CAN; 1-57954-732-X
Copyright © 2004 David Johnson, Ph.D., and David Sandmire, M.D.
PSA Tests For Prostate Cancer
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was discovered in 1979. It is a protein produced by the cells that line the inside of the prostate. Prostate cancer changes the cellular barriers that normally keep PSA within the ductal system of the prostate, causing PSA to be released into the blood in higher quantities. All of the tests below consist of a simple blood draw and a laboratory analysis.
The total PSA test measures the total amount of PSA in your blood. The results are given in ng/ml (nanograms of PSA per milliliter blood), and a total PSA of 4 ng/ml or higher is considered to be a possible sign of prostate cancer. The risk increases as this number goes higher.
The total PSA and DRE (digital rectal examination) are generally the first line of tests done for detecting prostate cancer. If a suspicious finding occurs in either of these tests, your doctor will probably order follow-up tests, like a percent-free PSA test or transrectal prostate ultrasound, to determine if you should have a prostate biopsy.
The PSA velocity test is a measurement of the total PSA level over a period of time. Total PSA velocity should be determined over 24 months by measuring the total PSA on at least three separate occasions, spaced as equally apart as possible -- ideally, every 8 months. A rise in total PSA of over 0.75 ng/ml per year over this time is suggestive of prostate cancer and may warrant having a prostate biopsy.
The total PSA that is measured in the blood exis
