Types of Cancer > Prostate Cancer > Screening & Detection

Screening & Detection for Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland that helps regulate both bladder control and normal sexual functioning in men. The American Cancer Society recommends men over 50 years of age be screened annually for prostate cancer. African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screenings at age 45.

For most men, an abnormal finding on a routine screening exam is the first indication they may have cancer. Proper diagnosis is important because these symptoms could also be a sign of a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate that is not cancerous. Others symptoms of prostate cancer include: problems with urinating or blood in the urine; frequent pain in the lower back, hips or other bones; and impotence.

A man's annual check-up should include a:

Digital Rectal Examination
A digital rectal exam by a family physician can identify prostate abnormalities or enlargements that may warrant further tests.

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 level are encouraged to have a biopsy, which can provide physicians with more information to make an accurate diagnosis.