Prostate Cancer Screening

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the U.S. Understanding your individual risk factors for prostate cancer is important for early detection and improved treatment options.

At age 50, men of average risk should begin to ask their primary care doctor about the benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer. Screening tests for prostate cancer include:

• Digital Rectal Exam – This is performed during a routine physical examination for men older than 50. Your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of your rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or other abnormalities. If your doctor finds anything unusual, a second screening test may be performed.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test – This blood test measures levels of PSA, an enzyme produced by prostate cells. PSA may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. There is no consensus in the medical community on the effectiveness of the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer, so discuss it with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for the disease.

Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, often not causing symptoms  until it is more advanced. If a digital rectal exam or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test indicates the possibility of prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more diagnostic tests.

An elevated PSA test can indicate several things besides prostate cancer, such as a benign enlargement of the prostate or an infection, which may necessitate a biopsy of the prostate.

At Houston Methodist, we offer thorough consultations to help you understand your risks and take thoughtful steps to manage your health.