If you’re wondering whether it’s time for prostate cancer screening, you’re not alone. Many men put off screening because they feel healthy or aren’t sure what to expect. The problem is that prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may be more advanced.
Regular prostate cancer screening can find cancer early, when treatment is often more successful. If you live in Murrells Inlet, Conway, or the surrounding area, talking with a urologist can help you decide when screening is right for you.
What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate cancer screening looks for signs of cancer before symptoms develop. The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that helps produce fluid that becomes part of semen. As men get older, the prostate can develop several conditions, including an enlarged prostate (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Screening doesn’t diagnose cancer by itself. Instead, it helps identify men who may need additional testing.
Who Should Get Prostate Cancer Screening?
There isn’t one age that’s right for every man. Your age, family history, overall health, and personal risk all play a role.
Many men at average risk should talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening around age 50.
You may need prostate cancer screening earlier if you:
- Have a father or brother who had prostate cancer
- Have multiple family members with prostate cancer
- Are Black, since they have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer
- Have certain inherited genetic conditions that increase their risk
Your urologist can help you decide when screening should begin and how often you should be tested.
What Happens During a Prostate Cancer Screening?
For most men, screening starts with a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
The prostate naturally makes PSA. Small amounts are normally found in your blood. Higher PSA levels can sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer, but they don’t always mean cancer is present.
PSA levels can also increase because of:
- An enlarged prostate (BPH)
- A prostate infection or inflammation
- Your age
- Certain medications or recent medical procedures
Because of this, an abnormal PSA test doesn’t automatically mean you have prostate cancer. It simply means your doctor may recommend more testing.
In some cases, your doctor may also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE). During this exam, the doctor gently feels the prostate through the rectum to check for changes in its size, shape, or texture. Whether you need a DRE depends on your age, PSA level, and symptoms you’re having.
What Happens If My PSA Is High?
If your PSA level is higher than expected, your doctor may recommend additional testing.
This could include:
- Repeating the PSA test
- An MRI of the prostate
- A prostate biopsy to look for cancer cells
Many men with an elevated PSA do not have prostate cancer. These tests help your doctor find out whether you have prostate cancer and whether treatment is needed.
Does Prostate Cancer Always Cause Symptoms?
Not always. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important.
As the disease progresses, some men may notice:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Trouble starting or stopping urine flow
- A weak urine stream
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis
These symptoms don’t always mean you have prostate cancer, but they should be evaluated by a doctor.
What Happens If Prostate Cancer Is Found?
Finding prostate cancer doesn’t always mean you need immediate treatment. Some slow-growing cancers can be safely monitored through active surveillance.
If treatment is needed, your doctor will recommend the option that’s best for your cancer and your overall health. Treatment may include:
- Active surveillance
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Other targeted treatments
Your urologist will explain your options and help you choose the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Schedule Your Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, but finding it early gives you more treatment options and the best chance for a successful outcome. That’s why talking with your doctor about prostate cancer screening is so important, even if you feel healthy.
If you’re due for prostate cancer screening or have questions about your risk, call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment with a urologist serving Murrells Inlet, Conway, and the surrounding communities. Early detection can make all the difference.