Prostate screening for cancer may be part of every man's primary healthcare at some point. When and what type of screening a man needs will vary based on several factors, including age and family history. Though this is a subject that should be decided between a male patient and their healthcare provider, here are some helpful things to know about screening recommendations.
Prostate cancer originates in the walnut-shaped prostate gland that is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. The gland is located just below the blatter and in front of the rectum. Though this cancer is one of the most common in men, it usually grows slowly and stays confined to the prostate. Still, some prostate cancers can be aggressive and quickly spread. Therefore, prostate screening is recommended for some men so early detection can allow for the best chance at successful treatment.
Like all cancers, certain things put a man at higher risk. These are the risk factors a doctor will consider when deciding on prostate screening. They include:
Though diet, smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and being overweight may also contribute to prostate cancer risk, the role of these factors is not clear.
There are two tests that may be part of a patient's initial prostate screening.
PSA is a protein produced by cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. High levels of the prostate may indicate cancer, among other conditions.
For a DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. If abnormalities are detected, this could be a sign of prostate cancer. Depending on the results, further testing may follow.
The patient and doctor should weigh the pros and cons of testing and possible treatment during a consultation. Prostate screening is not necessarily the right choice for all men. This cancer tends to grow so slowly that testing is not recommended for men who are not symptomatic and have less than ten years of life expectancy left. The American Cancer Society recommends that a discussion about prostate screening should take place at:
According to John Hopkins Medicine, men ages 55 to 65 can benefit most from screening because this is when this cancer is most likely to occur. Recommendations for additional screenings will depend on these results and can vary for each individual.
Male patients should have a discussion with their doctor about their cancer risk and individual recommendations for prostate screening. There are many factors to consider to help patients make an informed decision. Call us to learn more about prostate screening recommendations.
Request an appointment here:https://campmedicine.org or call Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care at (973) 859-9165 for an appointment in our Passaic office.
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