While some men have symptoms of prostate cancer, others don't. Depending on your age, family history, genetic risk factors, and symptoms, your doctor might recommend that you have prostate screens or tests.

What are the differences between screening and testing?

What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?

As men get older, doctors sometimes recommend routine prostate cancer screening. While this is sometimes a first response to symptoms, screening is often used as a preventative measure.

These screens can identify early prostate cancer problems that are currently symptomless. The earlier you can diagnose cancer, the more treatable it is likely to be. So, your doctor might recommend screening once you reach a certain age or if you have a family history of this cancer.

In your initial appointment, your doctor might do a rectal exam. They use this exam to feel the prostate to see if it has any obvious problems such as a change in size, shape, or texture.

However, the most common prostate cancer screen is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test measures the levels of proteins produced by this gland. If your levels are higher than the norm, then there is a chance that you have cancer.

However, PSA tests alone are not enough to give an accurate diagnosis. Some men have elevated PSA levels but don't have cancer. If your levels are higher than they should be, then your doctor is likely to refer you for further diagnostic tests.

PSA tests are also often used after prostate cancer treatment. These levels can be used to check that you don't have any residual or recurring problems.

What Is Prostate Cancer Testing?

If your doctor suspects you have a problem after initial screens, then they will run more specialized tests. These tests give you an accurate and definite diagnosis that blood tests or rectal exams can't provide.

At this stage, you are likely to have a biopsy procedure that removes tiny samples of your prostate gland. These samples are examined under a microscope to see if they contain any cancer cells. This test is more accurate and definitive than initial screening tests. Screening indicates the possibility of cancer; testing confirms positive or negative results.

In some cases, your medical team might use imaging tests during the biopsy procedure or as separate tests. For example, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans can all help doctors see your prostate and any signs of cancer on or around it.

To find out more, talk to your doctor atAffinity Health Group.