Out of all cancers, prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer at Valley. We sent 5 questions about prostate cancer to the Radiation Oncology team to learn more about screening, symptoms, and risk.
Who should be screened for prostate cancer?
The guidelines for screening patients for prostate cancer are under review, currently the recommendation is to work with your provider to decide if screening is right for you.
In most cases, this discussion should start around age 50. If you have any risk factors for prostate cancer, you may decide with your provider to start screening at age 40 to 45.
Most providers recommend not screening after age 70 or if you have serious health problems.
What does the screening entail?
The main test used to screen for prostate cancer is a blood test called a “PSA test.” If you decide to be screened, experts recommend repeating screening every 2 years.
PSA stands for “prostate-specific antigen.” It is a protein made by the prostate. Levels of this protein usually go up when a person has prostate cancer. The protein also goes up for reasons that do not involve cancer. For example, PSA levels rise if you:
- Have “benign prostatic hyperplasia” (“BPH”), sometimes called an enlarged prostate
- Have a prostate infection, called “prostatitis”
- Hurt your prostate, such as while riding a bike
- Ejaculate (have an orgasm)
Your provider may perform a rectal exam to check for prostate cancer. In a rectal exam, your provider puts a finger in your anus and up into your rectum. They press on the rectum wall to feel for abnormal areas on the prostate.
If your provider suspects you have prostate cancer, they will follow up with one or more of these tests:
- Prostate biopsy: The provider takes a small sample of tissue from your prostate. Then, another provider looks at the sample under a microscope to see if it has cancer.
- Ultrasound, MRI scan, or other imaging tests: These create images of the inside of the body and can show abnormal growths.
Are there prostate cancer symptoms I should be aware of?
Prostate cancer symptoms can include:
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- A urine stream that is slower than usual
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not prostate cancer. If you have symptoms, tell your provider.
Can I do anything to reduce my risk of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer causes are not well studied, known risk factors are mainly genetic, meaning inherited from your parents.
Your risk is higher if you are Black/African American, have a father or brother with prostate cancer, or have certain genetic mutations such as “BRCA1” or “BRCA2.”
Those who are at high risk of getting prostate cancer can sometimes take a medicine to help prevent the disease. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your provider.
Anything you’d like to add?
You can learn more about prostate cancer on our health library and in this video.
Content for this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
