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Prostate Cancer Screening Options
Review national guidelines for cancer screening and prevention; this information is listed by gene mutation and by cancer type.
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Cancer Screening Options
Types of screening
Screening for cancer may include a combination of the following:
- Specific Antigen () is a blood test used to screen for cancer.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) involves the doctor inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the gland for enlargement or lumps.
- Clinical trials are looking at screening using imaging.
Benefits and harms of screening
There are benefits and potential harms associated with cancer screening.
- Most cancers can be very slow growing and unlikely to spread or cause harm. Detecting and treating these slow-growing cancers early may not improve health outcomes and side effects from biopsy or treatment may cause harm.
- Some cancers can be very aggressive, spreading to other organs and increasing the risk of death. Finding these cancers early through screening may help men live longer. These aggressive cancers are more common in:
- Black people
- people with inherited mutations in certain genes, including and
- people with a family history of young-onset or aggressive cancer.
Other factors that affect the benefits and risks of cancer include:
- age
- overall health
- lifetime risk for cancer
- risk for developing aggressive disease
- personal preferences
Several expert groups have guidelines for cancer screening and each is slightly different. Most experts agree that people should have a discussion with their doctor about cancer screening, that includes:
- their risk for developing cancer
- their risk for developing aggressive disease
- the benefits and harms of cancer screening compared to not screening
Many experts feel that the benefits outweigh the harms, especially for people at high risk for aggressive cancer.
When an abnormality is found
If the feels abnormal on DRE, or the is high or rising over time, doctors will usually order a biopsy of the . Doctors may also order imaging tests, such as or additional tests.
Last updated February 14, 2024