SAULTE STE MARIE — MyMichigan Medical Center Sault has begun offering PSMA PET scans, providing men in the eastern Upper Peninsula with an advanced imaging tool to detect prostate cancer. The technology allows doctors to identify the disease with greater precision than conventional imaging, even when protein levels are low and tumors are small.
PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, is a protein found in high levels on prostate cancer cells. During the scan, a specialized tracer is administered through an IV and binds to these proteins to highlight cancerous cells throughout the body. The American Cancer Society reports that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
In 2026, an estimated 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Approximately 36,000 deaths related to the disease are expected this year. Recent data indicates the death rate from prostate cancer has risen, a trend attributed to more cases being identified in advanced stages.
Dr. James Howard, a board-certified urologist at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, said the new imaging provides a higher level of detail for physicians.
“This technology gives us a powerful tool to detect prostate cancer earlier and more precisely,” Howard said. “Better imaging helps us make more informed treatment decisions and personalize care for each patient.”
Medical providers may recommend the scan after an initial prostate cancer diagnosis or during the cancer staging process. It is also used if a physician identifies a risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes, before treatment begins.
The introduction of the service allows residents of the eastern Upper Peninsula to receive advanced care without traveling outside of the region. Howard noted that local access to the technology can lead to faster medical intervention.
“By bringing this technology to Sault Ste. Marie means our patients no longer have to travel for this advanced diagnostic tool,” Howard said. “Earlier and more precise detection means we can intervene more effectively, which can translate into better outcomes for our patients.”