Prostate Screening

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men. Fortunately, survival rates are excellent, and new, less invasive surgery and advanced treatment options offer enhanced quality of life.

Prostate cancer affects one in every six men in the U.S. Roughly 90% of all prostate cancers are detected in the early stages, when tumors are confined within the prostate, making the cure rate promising. Some prostate cancers are more aggressive than others. If those aggressive tumors are untreated and allowed to grow, they can spread to other parts of the body, causing the cure rate to drop dramatically.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screening (PSA — prostate-specific antigen blood test) has a role in detecting early prostate cancers. The American Cancer Society* recommends you talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the screening to decide if it is appropriate for you. This discussion should take place at the following ages:

• 50 for men at average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• 40 for men at even higher risk, or those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age.