Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, according to the American Cancer Society, which estimates that more than 300,000 men will develop the disease – and nearly 36,000 will die from it – in 2025.
Screening is of utmost importance, as most men show no symptoms before being diagnosed. The best way to check for possible prostate cancer is through a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which can be ordered by your primary care physician (PCP).
PSA is an enzyme that gets released from the prostate gland, with blood levels of PSA high in cases of prostate cancer; that said, the PSA test is not 100% accurate, as is explained by the National Cancer Institute here.
Your physician may also perform a digital rectal exam, where they insert a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate for tumors. Prostate cancers tend to grow in the area next to the rectum, called the peripheral zone, so this physical exam can be helpful.
When Should You Start Screening?
Although prostate cancer usually affects men in their 60s and 70s, there have been cases of men developing the disease in their 50s and even 40s.
Opinions differ on when you should begin screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that men start at age 50, while others usually say between 45 and 55 depending on the circumstance. In addition:
- Those at high risk (including being of African descent and having a first-degree relative – father or brother – who were diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65), should begin screening at 45.
- Individuals at very high risk (having more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before reaching 65) should start screening at 40.
- Depending on what their blood test levels look like, their PCP may want to recheck the PSA every 1-4 years.
Symptoms of prostate cancer – regardless of age – may include:
- Urinary issues, including frequent urination (especially at night); difficulty starting or stopping urination; a weak or interrupted urine flow; pain or burning during urination; blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or rectum
- Unexpected weight loss
No matter your age and health, if your physician finds your PSA is elevated, they may want to have it rechecked a few weeks later to confirm its level or might refer you to a urologist. The urologist may recommend additional lab tests or may recommend an MRI of the prostate.
White Plains Hospital offers a wide range of cancer treatments, including some of the most recent breakthrough technologies, including aquablation.
Be proactive about your health. If you are of the proper age – and even if you are not experiencing the above symptoms – discuss screening with your PCP or a urologist as soon as you can.
Dr. Fara Bellows is a board-certified urologist and urologic surgeon at the WPHPA center in Scarsdale/Eastchester. To make an appointment, call 914-949-7556.