Prostate Cancer: The importance of getting screened

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Growing older often means increased confidence, opportunity and achievement for many men. For some, they have accomplished career goals or watched their children reach milestones. Naturally, responsibility comes with age, which includes making sure men are caring for their body and health – including their prostate.

One in six U.S. men develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, making it an important topic to discuss.1 It develops in the prostate gland, located deep inside the male body. Because early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, regular screening allows us to find the cancer early while it is still easy to treat. We encourage all men to do so

for their own health and well-being. Here is what is important to know about prostate cancer and how screenings work.

Screening recommendations for prostate cancer

Generally, men should begin screening at age 50 per the recommendation of the American Cancer Society. Men should talk to their doctors about starting earlier if they have a family history of the disease.

Individual risk factors could cause men to get screened earlier than age 50, including:

  • Race/Ethnicity: Certain races, such as African American men, are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Men in this category should talk to their doctors about starting to screen at age 45.
  • Family history: If a first-degree relative — such as a father or brother — was diagnosed with prostate cancer, men should start screening at age 45. If a man has multiple first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, he should begin screening at age 40. 

Even though genetics and family history play a role, all men can potentially develop prostate cancer, making it important to stay updated with regular screenings. Remember, prostate cancer at early stages often has no symptoms, making screening important.

How prostate cancer screening works

During a prostate cancer screening, a blood test for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is the most frequently used screening test. PSA is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland; when the level of this protein increases, it may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. 

The second screening test that we perform is a digital rectal examination, or DRE. For this exam, a physician places a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum, located next to the prostate, to feel for abnormalities on the prostate gland.

When coming in for a screening, men should talk to their doctor about which test is best.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

When prostate cancer is diagnosed early, it is the most treatable and often does not have any symptoms. Because of this, screening becomes an important step to stay healthy. If prostate cancer is at an advanced stage when it is discovered, additional symptoms may include:

  • Blood in urine 
  • Blood in semen 
  • Swelling in the legs or feet
  • Bone pains anywhere in the body 
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men behind skin cancer. Because of this, February, National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, serves as a reminder to take control of your health and to schedule a screening. Ready to schedule a prostate screening? Talk to your primary care physician or find one at BSWHealth.com. 

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health.

1 Cancer.org, “Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer”