Home > Prostate Cancer > Detection & Screening

Detection & Screening The purpose of screening for cancer is to detect the cancer at its earliest stages, before any symptoms have developed. Some men, however, will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, these men will undergo a more thorough work-up.

Typically, men whose prostate cancer is detected through screening are found to have very early-stage disease that can be treated most effectively. Screening for prostate cancer can be performed quickly and easily in a physician’s office using two tests:
 

• the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test

• digital rectal exam (DRE).

PSA Blood Test

The PSA Blood Test PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released in very small amounts into the bloodstream. When there’s a problem with the prostate, such as when prostate cancer develops and grows, more and more PSA is released, until it reaches a level where it can be easily detected in the blood. During a PSA test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm, and the level of PSA is measured. PSA levels under 4 ng/mL are usually considered "normal," results over 10 ng/mL are usually considered "high," and results between 4 and 10 ng/mL are usually considered "intermediate." However, PSA can also be elevated if other prostate problems are present, such as BPH or prostatitis, and some men with prostate cancer have "low" levels of PSA. This is why both the PSA and DRE are used to detect the presence of disease.

DRE (Digital Rectal Exam)

The Digital Rectal Exam During a DRE, the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities in size, shape, and texture. Often, the DRE can be used by urologists to help distinguish between prostate cancer and non-cancerous conditions such as BPH.

Should I Be Screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends that both the PSA and DRE should be offered annually, beginning at age 50, to men who have at least a 10-year life expectancy. Men at high risk, such as African American men and men with a strong family history of one or more first-degree relatives diagnosed at an early age, should begin testing at age 45.

However, there is no unanimous opinion in the medical community regarding the benefits of prostate cancer screening. Those who advocate regular screening believe that finding and treating prostate cancer early offers men more treatment options with potentially fewer side effects. Those who recommend against regular screening note that because most prostate cancers grow very slowly, the side effects of treatment would likely outweigh any benefit that might be derived from detecting the cancer at a stage when it is unlikely to cause problems. Because a decision of whether to be screened for prostate cancer is a personal decision, it’s important that each man talk with his doctor about whether prostate cancer screening is right for him.