Prostate Cancer Health Center

At the age of 50 – or before if you have a family history - Your doctor may begin screening you for prostate cancer, whether or not you have any symptoms. Your personal and family medical history will be discussed, and you'll have a physical exam.

You may also have one or both of the following tests.

  • Digital rectal exam (DRE). This exam can be uncomfortable, but can be quite accurate. Your goes through the rectum to feel if there are any hard or lumpy areas in your prostate.
  • PSA test. This is a blood tests that checks your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level . The prostate makes PSA and a high level is often caused by BPH or prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate. High PSA levels can also be caused by prostate cancer.

Most doctors recommend having both tests, because you could have a normal PSA level, but a prostate that feels abnormal.

While the DRE and PSA test can indicate a problem in the prostate, they can't tell whether the problem is cancer or a less serious condition. If you have abnormal test results, your doctor may suggest other tests, such as a urine test to check for blood or infection.

Review Date: 
March 27, 2012
Last Updated:
June 28, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com