Screening for Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland helps regulate both bladder control and sexual functioning in men.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual prostate cancer screenings beginning at:

• Age 45 for African-American men and men with a family history of the disease
• Age 50 for men with no family history of the disease

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Most often, localized prostate cancer does not cause symptoms. In some cases, symptoms can include:

• Enlarged prostate (This could be a benign condition called prostatic hyperplasia)
• Problems urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips or other bones

A man’s annual check-up should begin at age 45 or 50 (depending on risk factors) and include a: 

PSA Blood Test

A simple test to detect the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood can screen the prostate gland for cancer. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. Patients with an elevated PSA may be at higher risk of having prostate cancer. Often, a more detailed evaluation including prostate MRI may be helpful. Some patients benefit from prostate biopsy. Tissue extracted during a biopsy provides more information to make an accurate diagnosis.