Do You Need a Prostate Cancer Test?
Screenings help find cancers before you have symptoms—but for men, prostate cancer testing guidelines can be confusing. Here’s how to decide what you should do now.
What Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. That may sound scary, but there is good news.
Most prostate cancers grow very slowly. Many men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Finding cancer early can help doctors treat it successfully.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
The most common screening test is a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. This test measures the level of a protein made by the prostate.
A high PSA level does not always mean cancer. PSA levels can go up because of:
- Getting older
- An enlarged prostate
- Recent sexual activity
- Other non-cancer conditions
The PSA test can also find slow-growing cancers that may never cause problems. This can lead to worry and extra testing.
Even though it is not perfect, the PSA test gives important information. You and your doctor can decide together if more testing is needed.
Average Risk
Men at average risk should talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening starting at age 45 and continuing through age 69.
A rectal exam is no longer required as part of routine prostate cancer screening.
High Risk
You should talk with your doctor about screening earlier, around age 40, if you:
- Have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer
- Are Black
Black men have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer and dying from the disease than white men.
Treatment Options
MetroHealth offers several treatment options based on each patient's needs.
Active Surveillance
Some prostate cancers grow very slowly. Doctors may closely monitor the cancer instead of treating it right away.
Focal Therapy
MetroHealth offers Nanoknife® therapy, which uses electrical energy to destroy cancer cells while helping reduce side effects.
Robotic Surgery
A radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland. MetroHealth uses advanced robotic technology, including the Da Vinci Single Port system, which may require fewer incisions.
Radiation Therapy
Modern radiation treatments can effectively treat many types of prostate cancer.
Talk with your primary care provider to see if a PSA screening is right for you.
The MetroHealth Urology team offers compassionate care and the latest treatment options for prostate cancer. For appointments, call 216-778-4391.
Don't Wait to Speak Up
Most men with prostate cancer can be treated successfully, especially when it is found early.
If you have urinary symptoms or concerns about your prostate health, talk with your doctor. These symptoms are common as men age and are not always caused by cancer, but they can affect your quality of life.
As Carvell Nguyen, MD and Division Director for the Department of Urology says, "Almost all men are going through the same thing you are. Don't suffer in silence. We can help."
Your Questions Answered
Q. Does a high PSA test mean I have prostate cancer?
A. No. A high PSA level does not always mean you have prostate cancer. PSA levels can go up for several reasons, including getting older, having an enlarged prostate, or recent sexual activity. If your PSA is high, your doctor may recommend more testing to learn why.
Q. What are the signs of prostate cancer?
A. Many men with early prostate cancer do not have any symptoms. As the disease grows, some men may notice trouble urinating, a weak urine stream, or needing to go to the bathroom more often. These symptoms can also be caused by other prostate problems, so it is important to talk with your doctor.
Q. If I have prostate cancer, will I need treatment right away?
Not always. Many prostate cancers grow very slowly and may never cause serious health problems. Some men can safely choose active surveillance, which means their doctor watches the cancer closely and starts treatment only if it begins to grow or change.