Prostate Screening & Early Detection
Early detection of prostate cancer improves your long-term outcome. But early-stage cancer has few symptoms, so men should get routine prostate screenings starting at age 50. Your primary care provider or a specialist in urology may use one or both of these screening tests.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Measure the PSA level in your blood to detect elevated levels, which can mean there’s a prostate problem
- Digital rectal exam: Manually checks for abnormal prostate growth or enlargement
If your screening shows something unusual, you may need imaging tests and a biopsy, which removes a sample of cells to examine in a lab. Prostate cancer is very treatable when found early.
Compassionate Cancer Care Team
You and your family will appreciate the compassion and knowledge of your AnMed cancer care team. Our goal is the same as yours—to make sure you achieve the best possible outcome. A dedicated nurse navigator will be your go-to resource throughout prostate cancer treatment.
Staging
If you receive a cancer diagnosis, your doctors will stage it (determine how advanced it is). Treatment recommendations depend on the stage of the cancer.
Watchful Waiting
If your prostate cancer is slow-growing and unlikely to spread, your cancer doctors may recommend watchful waiting. Your urologist will closely monitor your prostate cancer through regular screenings and blood tests, but will not take immediate action unless it begins to grow.
Your Treatment Plan
If your doctor recommends treating your prostate cancer, our care team will recommend a custom care plan based on:
- Your age and life expectancy
- How advanced your cancer is
- Overall health
- Possible treatment side effects
