Benefits of Prostate Cancer Screening
Simple Tests May Catch Cancer of the Prostate Early
Sep 27, 2008
Having a prostate exam can be a bit of a mystery for some men when they don’t have all the facts. It helps to understand what a prostate screening involves.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the bottom part of a man’s bladder. It produces most of the fluid for semen.
What are Some Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer risk factors include:
- Age: The top risk factor for prostate cancer is age, with the chance of getting this type of cancer going up as men get older.
- Race: African-American men have a higher risk than Caucasian men.
- Family history: A man's risk is higher if his father or brother had prostate cancer.
- Diet: A man whose diet is high in animal fat or meat may have a greater risk of getting prostate cancer, while eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce that risk.
While being at risk does not mean a man will definitely get prostate, those who do have one or more risk factors should talk to their doctor.
Why Should I Have a Prostate Screening?
A prostate screening can help detect prostate cancer. Among men in the United States, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer and is the second-leading cause of death from cancer. The symptoms are similar to symptoms of other prostate problems and may not appear until prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
There are four distinct stages of prostate cancer. How you and your doctor decide to treat prostate cancer will depend in part on the stage of diagnosis. You may have more treatment options in the earlier stages.
What Does a Prostate Screening Involve?
To check for prostate problems, your doctor will perform the following tests:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). In this quick and simple test, the doctor feels the prostate gland with a gloved finger in the rectum. The doctor can tell if the prostate is enlarged, has an abnormal texture or has lumps.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. In this test the doctor uses a blood sample to test the PSA level. PSA is a substance the prostate produces that generally increases with age. If the level is higher than normal, your doctor may order additional tests.
Who Should Be Screened?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men ages 50 and older have a DRE and a PSA test every year. African-American men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer. Discuss with your doctor whether you should get a prostate cancer screening.
Prostate exam results do not always accurately reflect prostate health, and that can be a factor in your decision to have a screening. If your screening results indicate a prostate problem, your doctor will likely discuss with you additional tests, such as bloodwork and biopsy, to investigate further.
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