Do all men need prostate cancer screening?
You should talk to your primary care doctor about whether and when you should start screening for prostate cancer around the time you turn 40. The decision to screen for prostate cancer is an individual one based on factors such as age, health history, family history, symptoms and each personโs individual risk factors.
For men who decide to participate in a prostate screening, screenings typically occur between the ages of 55 and 69.
Prostate cancer screening may be due if you are at least 40 years old. Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your options and to schedule testing.
What is the procedure for screening for prostate cancer? A PSA blood test is the first step in getting screened for prostate cancer after your provider has looked at your own risk factors. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. The PSA levels in your blood are checked out by this blood test. If the PSA in your blood is high, it can be a sign that you may have prostate cancer. Many other factors can increase the levels of PSA in your blood, such as race and age, so itโs important you work with your provider to learn what your results might mean for you.
You may also require a digital rectal exam based on a man’s PSA, risk factors, and other symptoms. This exam involves a health care professional using their finger to detect any potential prostate abnormalities. It is a simple and quick part of the screening.
Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
All men are at risk for prostate cancer. About 13 men in every 100 in the United States will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It will cause around two to three deaths among these men. Age is the primary risk factor for prostate cancer. The likelihood of having an elevated PSA screening increases with age. African American men are also more likely to get prostate cancer if they have a family history of the disease. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly without any symptoms until later stages. Don’t wait until you start having symptoms because prostate cancer is usually curable if caught early. What are the prostate cancer symptoms to look out for?
Prostate cancer symptoms vary from person to person. Some experience frequency with urination, pain or burning with urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, difficulty emptying bladder, painful ejaculation and/or blood in urine or semen. It is important to get in touch with your primary care provider right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Other men experience little to no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer, which is why an annual discussion with your primary care provider is so important.
How we can assist Prostate cancer screening is a personal decision, but starting at age 40, getting regular exams can increase your chances of survival. Discuss your options and schedule a prostate cancer screening with your primary care physician.
