Prostate cancer screening 101

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. But as with any cancer, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better. So how do you stay ahead of it?

Routine prostate cancer screening is a great way to identify the presence of cancer cells before symptoms begin. Understanding the health benefits, risks and available screening choices can help you make well-informed decisions about the best way to protect your health. Here’s what you should know.

What is prostate cancer screening?

Prostate cancer screening is a form of routine testing designed to find cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer.

Prostate-specific antigen test 

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by your prostate. A PSA test measures how much you have in your blood. High levels could indicate prostate cancer, but you’ll need more testing to be sure. Similarly, a low PSA level doesn’t guarantee you are cancer-free.

In addition to prostate cancer, several things can cause high PSA levels, including:

• Bacterial infection
• Certain medications
• Enlarged prostate

Digital rectal examination

A digital rectal examination (DRE) is a physical check of your prostate gland. During the procedure, your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and feels for growths or abnormal areas that could indicate cancer.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we want to help you protect your loved one’s health with health screenings that can identify potential health issues before they become major health challenges. We can also help you find a doctor and learn which preventative screenings are right for you. 

Risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening

Your doctor can help you determine if prostate cancer screening is right for you. Your doctor can provide the support and reassurance you need to make an informed decision. Understanding the risks and benefits can be helpful, too. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), prostate cancer screening has several potential benefits. 

Testing allows you to:

• Identify and treat prostate cancer in its early stages before it spreads to other areas of your body.
• Get a better sense of your prostate cancer risk based on your PSA test levels.
• Undergo further testing and closely monitor your condition if your results indicate it's needed.

The NIH also identifies potential health risks of prostate cancer screening that you should consider before scheduling your screening, including:

• False-negative results: Some prostate cancers don't produce much PSA, so normal levels don’t always mean you are cancer-free. The false sense of security a negative test provides could harm your health in the future.
• False-positive results: Your PSA levels can be elevated for reasons other than prostate cancer. If your numbers are deceptively high, you could feel undue anxiety, and you may get tests (like biopsies) that you don’t need.
• No guaranteed benefit: Experts don't always agree the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.
• Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: Some prostate cancers grow slowly without causing symptoms or becoming life-threatening. Early detection may result in treatments, such as radiation and surgery, that prompt significant side effects without necessarily improving your health.

Who should consider prostate cancer screening?

Prostate cancer screening is a highly personal choice that should only be made after discussing your available options with your provider. Guidelines about who should get screened vary among organizations, including the American Urological Association, American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Screening is not generally recommended before age 55 if you are at average risk. Prostate cancer screening is not usually recommended for men older than 70.

To make an educated choice, consider:

• Your age, as risk increases after age 50
• Your personal and family health history
• Your race, as prostate cancer is more common in Black men
• Your overall health
• Your personal preference

Although prostate cancer screening can help identify and treat prostate cancer in its early stages, it also has potential health consequences to consider. Regular discussions with your healthcare provider can help you make informed choices that protect your health – both now and in the future.

Schedule your health screenings 

We know life gets busy. That’s why HCA Florida Healthcare makes it easy to find and schedule the preventative screenings you and your loved ones need. Learn more about the health screenings we offer and how to schedule them.