Prostate Cancer Facts: Screening and Early Detection
Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Early prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms, so it is possible to have prostate
cancer for some time and not know it. This is why screening, or testing, for prostate
cancer is important. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the chances
are for successful treatment.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following screening methods for the early detection of prostate cancer:
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA
) Blood Test: PSA is a
substance produced in the prostate gland. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA
in the blood. This number may help determine your risk of prostate cancer. Normal
PSA levels are less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. If your PSA
level is between 4 and 10 ng/mL, your risk of prostate cancer is about 25%. If your
PSA level is more than 10 ng/mL, your risk of prostate cancer is more than 50%.
This risk increases as the PSA level increases.
It is important to note that PSA levels are not a total indicator of prostate cancer
risk. For instance, even if your PSA level is less than 4 ng/mL, you still may be
at risk of prostate cancer. And keep in mind that several things besides cancer
may cause your PSA level to rise, such as certain medications, ejaculation, age,
and prostate infection or inflammation.
If your PSA blood test indicates the risk of prostate cancer, your doctor might
perform other types of PSA tests before performing a biopsy.
The ACS recommends PSA blood tests for men age 50 and older. For men who have an
increased risk of prostate cancer, the ACS recommends earlier screening.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Digital Rectal Exam (DRE
): During a DRE, your doctor
feels inside your rectum for signs of prostate cancer, such as bumps or hard areas.
The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum, so signs of prostate cancer
often can be found during a rectal exam. The DRE can be helpful in detecting prostate
cancer in men who have normal PSA levels.
The ACS recommends the DRE along with PSA blood testing for men age 50 and
older. For men who have an increased risk of prostate cancer, the ACS recommends
earlier screening.
Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Early prostate cancer rarely shows signs or produces symptoms and usually is detected through screening. However, advanced prostate cancer may show signs and cause symptoms. If you notice any of the following prostate cancer warning signs or symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.
- Blood in urine or semen
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness or weakness in the feet or legs
- Pain in the hips, ribs, persistant bone pain or other body parts
- Painful ejaculation
Be sure to discuss any signs and symptoms with your doctor. He or she will be able to determine if the cause of your symptoms may be prostate cancer or another condition.
There are pros and cons to early detection for prostate cancer, so it is important to discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor. Learn more about Prostate Cancer Facts On Our Diagnosis And Treatment Options page.
