Prostate Cancer

When Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?

The decision of when to begin prostate cancer screening should be made in consultation with your doctor, taking into account your medical history, overall health, and individual risk factors.

Men who are considered at higher risk for prostate cancer are often advised to begin screening between ages 40 and 45. For men with average risk, doctors may recommend starting routine screening around age 50.

What’s Included in a Prostate Cancer Screening?

Prostate cancer screening typically includes two primary tests: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

During a digital rectal exam, your doctor gently examines the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps, firmness, or other abnormalities that could indicate a tumor. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. While elevated PSA levels can be associated with prostate cancer, they may also be caused by noncancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate inflammation.

What Symptoms Develop Due to Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is often detected before symptoms appear, especially when men receive regular screenings. However, when symptoms do develop, they may include:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weak urine flow

• Pain or burning during urination

• Blood in the urine

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

• Painful ejaculation

• Blood in the semen

• A reduced amount of semen during ejaculation

• Pain in the lower back or hips

• Swelling or discomfort in the legs

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. While these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, experiencing multiple symptoms at the same time—such as swelling in the legs along with difficulty urinating or ejaculating—may increase concern for prostate cancer and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How is Prostate Cancer Treated?

In some cases, immediate treatment may not be necessary for prostate cancer because many prostate tumors grow slowly. Your doctor may recommend active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring the cancer with regular PSA tests, exams, and imaging to determine if or when treatment should begin.

When treatment becomes necessary, the team at Urology Associates provides advanced care using the latest therapies. Depending on the stage and characteristics of your cancer, treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy

• Oral targeted therapy

• Radiation therapy

As specialists in personalized cancer care, our physicians use targeted treatments designed to attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy prostate tissue.

If you have questions about prostate cancer or would like to discuss screening or treatment options, contact Urology Associates to schedule an appointment and receive expert care.