Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but early detection can make a major difference. With evolving research and improved diagnostic tools, prostate cancer screening is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is understanding your individual risk and making an informed decision with your healthcare provider.
What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate cancer screening typically includes:
- PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test measuring PSA levels. Elevated levels can indicate cancer but may also result from other prostate conditions.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical exam where the doctor feels the prostate gland through the rectum to detect abnormalities.
These tests help catch prostate cancer early—sometimes before symptoms even appear.
Current Screening Guidelines
American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Start discussions at age 50 for men at average risk.
- Start at age 45 for high-risk men (e.g., African American men or those with a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65).
- Decisions should be made after a shared conversation with your healthcare provider about risks and benefits.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
- Men aged 55 to 69: PSA screening is an individual choice, to be made in consultation with a doctor.
- Men 70 and older: Routine PSA screening is not recommended due to potential risks outweighing benefits.
European Association of Urology (EAU)
- Recommends a risk-adapted screening strategy, factoring in age, family history, and ethnicity.
- Screening intervals vary based on individual risk assessments.
Factors to Consider Before Screening
Making an informed decision about prostate cancer screening depends on these key considerations:
- Your Age: Risk increases as you grow older, especially after age 50.
- Family History: Having a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer increases your risk.
- Race & Ethnicity: African American men face higher incidence and mortality rates.
- Health Status & Lifestyle: Talk to your provider about how diet, exercise, and chronic conditions may impact your risks and test accuracy.
- Risks of Overdiagnosis: Some prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not need treatment. Screening can sometimes lead to unnecessary procedures and side effects.
Why Early Detection Still Matters
When caught early, prostate cancer is often highly treatable. Screening may help detect cancers while they are still localized and easier to treat, offering a broader range of treatment options with fewer side effects.
What Happens If You Have Elevated PSA?
An abnormal PSA level doesn't always mean cancer. Your doctor may recommend:
- Repeating the PSA test
- Imaging (e.g., MRI or ultrasound)
- A prostate biopsy
- Ongoing monitoring through active surveillance
At Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools like PET/CT scanning, MRI-guided radiation therapy (MRIdian), and the Elekta Versa HD for precise imaging and motion management.
Take Action: Talk to a Specialist
Concerned about your risk or unsure if you should get screened? The best step you can take is starting the conversation with a trusted provider.
Call us 925-433-8786
Schedule a screening consultation with the prostate cancer experts at Gregory Rhodes MD Cancer Center.
We’ll help you understand your risk and create a screening plan that’s right for you.
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