Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in the United States. Early detection through appropriate screening and diagnostic evaluation can help identify prostate cancer before symptoms develop.

Are you at risk?

Age: Rare in men under the age of 40, the risk precipitously rises after men reach 50. More than half of all cases are in men over the age of 65.

Ethnicity: The demographic groups most likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer are African-Americans and Caribbeans of African ethnicity. Demographic groups least at risk are Asian-Americans and Hispanic/Latinos. There is no known reason for these disparities.

Where you live: Prostate cancer’s prevalence in northwestern Europe, Canada and the USA, Australia and the Caribbean is unexplained, save for the possibility that this is due to screening in developed nations.

Genetics: While some men with prostate cancer have no relevant family history of the disease, those who have a close relative with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop it. And those with a brother who has been diagnosed are more likely to be diagnosed as those with a father diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Lifestyle factors: While research has been inconclusive, diet and carrying extra weight have been shown to slightly elevate the likelihood of prostate cancer. High fat diets which include a preponderance of red meat and a low intake of fruits and vegetables represent a slightly higher risk. Some men who are obese have an elevated risk of advanced prostate cancer but again, research is inconclusive.

Finally, smoking has been identified as a risk factor for developing prostate cancer, with a slightly higher risk of dying from the disease.

How to prepare

Before your NetSpot PET scan, you’ll need to advise your doctor of any and all medications, whether over the counter, prescription, herbal supplements or vitamins. If you’re taking Somatostatin analogs, it’s important that your doctor know.

If you’re taking a long-acting somatostatin analog, your scan will be scheduled before your next dose. Those taking short-acting versions of this medication can use them up to 24 hours prior to their procedure.

Hydrate well before your scan.

What to expect

Once you’re injected with NetSpot, your technician will ask that you wait between 40 and 90 minutes to proceed with the scan. Once the scan is started, the procedure will take 30 – 60 minutes.

You’ll be asked to lie as still as possible during the scan. Movement can impact the quality of captured images.

Following the procedure, your technician and others will review your results. These will be shared with your doctor and then, with you.

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico

XRANM has been in the vanguard of diagnostic radiology for over 70 years. Since then, we’ve been bringing New Mexico patients leading-edge technology like NetSpot.

We’re proud to be leaders in the field, working in 6 clinics located throughout the state. As part of our commitment to care, we also offer same-day scheduling for your peace of mind.

Contact us to find out more about NetSpot in Santa Fe.