Prostate cancer screening can help identify signs of the disease before symptoms develop, particularly in people with certain age-related or family risk factors. The timing and need for screening may vary based on age, personal health history, family history, and guidance from a healthcare provider. Here is more information on who should get screened for prostate cancer and when:
Know Your Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer. You can control some of these factors, while others are beyond your control. Knowing your risk profile helps you and your doctor decide when to start screening. The key risk factors include:
- Age: Risk increases after age 50, and most cases occur in men over 65.
- Family history: A father or brother with this type of cancer increases your risk.
- Race and ethnicity: Black men have a higher rate of this condition and are more likely to receive a diagnosis at a younger age.
- Inherited gene changes: Changes in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Some research links obesity and diets high in red meat or dairy to higher risk, although the evidence remains mixed.
Understand Screening Timing
Screening timing for prostate cancer depends largely on your risk level. Health organizations offer slightly different guidance, but most agree that the decision should involve a discussion with a doctor. These age ranges reflect general guidance and may not apply to everyone.
Men at average risk may begin discussing screening with their doctor at age 50. Men at higher risk, such as black men and those with a father or brother diagnosed, may start this discussion at 45. Age also affects when screening stops. Your overall health and life expectancy also factor into this decision.
Learn About Screening Tests
Doctors generally use two tests to screen for prostate cancer. Each test provides different information, and doctors sometimes combine them. Understanding how they work can help you prepare for your appointment.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
The PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein the prostate produces. Higher levels may point to cancer, but an enlarged prostate, an infection, or recent physical activity can also increase them. Your doctor reviews your PSA level along with your age and other factors before deciding on next steps.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. The exam lasts only a few seconds, and it allows the doctor to check for lumps, hard areas, or changes in size. Although doctors use the DRE less often as a standalone test, some still pair it with the PSA test.
Discuss Benefits and Risks
Screening offers potential benefits worth reviewing. It may detect prostate cancer early, when more treatment options are often available. Some men also value the information screening provides, and they use it to plan their future health care.
Screening has risks as well. A high PSA result can be a false positive, which may lead to extra tests such as a biopsy, the removal of small tissue samples for lab review. Some cancers grow so slowly that they may never cause harm, yet finding them can lead to treatment with side effects such as urinary or sexual problems. Doctors call this overdiagnosis, and it is a key reason screening decisions are personal.
Schedule Your Prostate Cancer Screening
Understanding prostate cancer screening involves weighing the potential benefits and risks. It may detect cancers or identify slow-growing cases that will not cause harm. Preparing for your appointment by evaluating what screening results mean and discussing follow-up steps with your doctor can help you make an informed choice. Contact a qualified urologist near you to schedule your prostate cancer screening today.
