How is prostate cancer detected?
The detection of prostate cancer relies on complementary tests, including a physician’s physical examination (DRE), a blood test (PSA), and a diagnostic imaging investigation showing any abnormalities in the prostate gland. Whether the disease is indolent (slow growing) or aggressive can only be determined by a biopsy.
Prostate cancer screening should begin at age 50. In men at increased risk, including those with first degree relatives with prostate cancer and men of African American descent, screening should start at age 40.; African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world as well as the highest risk of prostate cancer death. As such, early detection is the key element for cure. Prostate cancer screening consists of two simple tests – Prostate Specific Antigen blood test known as a PSA and a digital rectal examination (DRE). It is imperative to have both tests as almost one third of men with localized prostate cancer will have the disease detected or diagnosed solely on the basis of an abnormal DRE in the face of a normal PSA blood test.
In its early states, prostate cancer often doesn’t produce any symptoms. Symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer, and which should be followed up with a visit to the doctor, include: • Frequent urination, especially at night • Urgency in urinating • Trouble starting your urine stream • A weak or interrupted urine stream • Pain or burning during urination • A feeling that your bladder doesn’t empty completely • Blood in the urine • A nagging pain in the back, hips or pelvis Although these symptoms can be caused by prostate cancer, they also can be caused by other conditions that are not cancer. A very common one is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As men age, the prostate often enlarges and can press on and block the urethra and bladder, producing some of the symptoms described above. BPH can be successfully treated with medication or surgery. The two most commonly used methods for detecting prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen
The two most common tests used by doctors are the digital rectal exam and the prostate specific antigen test. • The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) has been recommended for years as a screening test for prostate cancer, yet it is limited in its ability to detect prostate cancer, or distinguish a cancer from something else. • The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a blood test that measures the PSA enzyme. The PSA test is limited in its ability to distinguish between a benign and cancerous tumor and other conditions, e.g., prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend routine screening for prostate cancer because there is no scientific consensus on whether screening and treatment of early stage prostate cancer reduces mortality. CDC does support a man’s right to discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening and treatment with his doctor and his right to make his own decision about screening. This information was de
