Most of us know that when cancer is found early, it is easier to treat and cure. That’s why physicians recommend screening tests for many cancers. Prostate cancer is no different, but there are some caveats. When it comes to prostate health, when should men start screening and what should they expect?
Facts Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer
- Most men will get prostate cancer if they live long enough.
- There are both risks and benefits to treatment.
- Some prostate cancers are extremely aggressive, while others can be very slow growing.
- Getting treatment for prostate cancer makes sense when the benefits outweigh the potential risks of the side effects.
- Prostate cancer has no symptoms unless it is advanced. Hence, the need for screening.
What Are the Types of Prostate Cancer Screenings?
Common screening tests for prostate cancer include the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).
Screening With the PSA Blood Test
The PSA blood test measures how much of a protein known as prostate specific antigen, or PSA, is found in your blood. This has been the standard for prostate screening for 30 years.
General guidelines suggest screening to begin at age 50.
If a man has risk factors that put him at higher risk, board-certified urologists may recommend earlier screenings like between age 40 and 54.
- Family history, especially a first degree relative like a father or brother having prostate cancer
- Extended family history, such as if two extended family members have had prostate cancer
- African-American men, as they are more likely to have aggressive tumors putting them at very high risk
If you have none of those worrisome risk factors putting you at average risk, screening usually begins at 50 and ends at age 69.
Screening With the Digital Rectal Exam
A digital rectal exam is also part of screening for prostate cancer. This is a quick and safe screening technique performed in the office by board-certified urologists.
Using a lubricated gloved finger, your doctor will be able to determine if the prostate is enlarged, has lumps, areas of hardness, or other texture abnormalities. Although the exam may cause momentary discomfort, there is no pain.
What’s Different About Prostate Cancer Screening
Most screening tests for other cancers have only benefits like a negative test result or early detection proving helpful for a cure.
With prostate cancer screening, most physicians will discuss the risks and benefits with their patients before proceeding.
Some test results can show false positives or false negatives leading to anxiety and biopsy, or thinking all is well when the patient actually has cancer. Researchers are looking for ways to make these screenings more accurate.
Over-diagnosis and over-treatment are another issue. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and would never cause a man any problems during his lifetime. If a decision is made to go ahead with treatment like radiation or surgery that wasn’t needed, it can lead to urinary issues, bowel issues, or sexual problems.
What to Expect During a Prostate Cancer Screening
There is very little you need to do prior to a prostate screening.
The PSA test is simple blood work. The sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. If the PSA level is high, you may need further testing like an MRI, a biopsy, or other lab tests. It is wise to refrain from sex for 48 hours prior to the test since this can cause your PSA level to rise. There is no need to change any bathroom habits. If the results are borderline, you may need another test in 6 months.
As for the DRE, let board-certified urologist know if you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures or tears.
You will receive the results of the DRE immediately and the PSA test within one day.
Contact board-certified urologists at Southland Urology at (714) 870-5970 with questions about prostate screening, high risk factors, or to schedule an exam at our office in Orange County, CA.