Regular screening tests, called secondary prevention, can help detect prostate cancer in the early stages when it is the easier to cure. Early treatment of the cancer can be simpler, making it easier to go about daily life.

Three types of screening tests available:

• Digital rectal examination
• Prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Transrectal ultrasound

Screening for prostate cancer is controversial. Each test can produce false results. This can lead to unnecessary treatment that could be harmful. Research is being done to determine the best method of screening for prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you.

Screening Guidelines

Information should be available to all men about what is known about the pros and cons of early detection and treatment of prostate to help them make an informed decision about screening.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society believes health care professionals should offer the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam yearly, beginning at age 50, to men who have at least a 10 year life expectancy. Men at high risk, such as 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) should begin testing at age 45.

The National Cancer Institute
There is insufficient evidence to conclude if screening for prostate cancer with PSA or digital rectal exam reduces death from prostate cancer. Screening tests are able to detect prostate cancer at an early stage, but it is not clear if this earlier detection and earlier treatment leads to any change in the outcome of the disease.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing or digital rectal examination.

Exams and Test Explained
For a digital rectal exam, the doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate for hard or lumpy areas.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the level of a certain protein. In some men with prostate cancer, this level will rise, alerting the doctor that there may be a tumor. However, a normal PSA level does not rule out cancer. Also, an elevated level may be due to a benign condition.