The best way to detect prostate cancer early is by having regular, age-appropriate prostate cancer screenings. The screening is usually a quick and straightforward process. It typically involves a simple blood test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam, which takes only a few minutes. There's no special preparation needed, like fasting. The doctor will explain the results and discuss any next steps with you. Most individuals find the whole procedure to be relatively painless and easy.
Learn more about our treatment approach to prostate cancer.
The decision of when and how often to undergo prostate cancer screening varies based on the individual’s risk factors, health history, and overall health. There's no single recommended age for everyone, and guidelines vary. Generally, discussions about screening typically begin around age 50 for men and those assigned male at birth at average risk, or earlier (age 40 or 45) for those with a family history of prostate cancer or other significant risk factors like African American ethnicity. Risk factors also include a personal history of certain genetic mutations or conditions. The decision should involve a conversation with your doctor, weighing the potential benefits of early detection against the risks of unnecessary treatment and potential side effects from screening itself.
There are several factors that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. These include:
It's important to remember that having one or more of these risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll develop prostate cancer, and many with these factors never develop the disease. Conversely, without these risk factors, prostate cancer can still develop.
The screening process for prostate cancer starts with a thorough conversation with your doctor about your medical and family health history and any current urologic issues or worries. The physical exam is relatively quick and may consist of a digital rectal exam that looks for irregularities or nodules that may be caused by cancer. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test will be done to determine if there is a high PSA count in the blood stream. A high PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and higher-than-normal levels can sometimes indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although many other conditions can also elevate PSA levels. The test itself is simple — a blood sample is drawn, and results are usually available within a few days.
Results are given as a number (ng/mL). A normal PSA level varies with age and other factors, but generally, higher levels warrant further investigation. A higher PSA doesn't automatically mean cancer; it could be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate, prostatitis (prostate infection), or even vigorous physical activity.
After receiving your results, your doctor will discuss them with you. If the PSA is elevated, further testing may be recommended to determine the cause. If your PSA is within the normal range, your doctor will likely discuss your individual risk factors and future screening plans. It's important to remember that a PSA test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test, and should be interpreted by your medical team in conjunction with other information and your individual health history.
Patients often undergo a prostate biopsy in the doctor’s office. An ultrasound probe is passed into the rectum, and then a needle is used to collect small tissue samples from the prostate gland. These tissue samples are sent to a pathologist to further evaluate for cancer. Your doctor will discuss the results with you in a separate visit. The procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Your doctor may choose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the presence of abnormalities that may be cancer cells and if there is any spread of the cancer outside of the prostate. An MRI provides a more detailed picture of the prostate without using radiation.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about prostate cancer screening.
Learn more about AHN cancer screening dates and locations for each screen offered.
