Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening looks for prostate cancer before it causes symptoms. Screening is important because prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms until it has reached advanced stages that are difficult to treat.
Prostate cancer screening may be recommended for at-risk patients, such as those that have age, race, ethnicity, and family history risk factors. The results of a prostate cancer screen are not enough to make a formal prostate cancer diagnosis, but they can give your specialist important information about your prostate health. They can also suggest that more diagnostic tests need to be done.
Prostate cancer screening consists of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and possibly a physical examination. PSA is a natural substance produced by the prostate that is an indicator of prostate health.
Generally, the higher the PSA level, the more likely it is that a prostate problem is present.
Men who are 55 to 69 years old should talk to their physician about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening and then make an informed decision about being screened with a PSA prostate cancer test.
Common questions to ask your specialist include:
- When will I receive my results?
- What recommendations will be made if my results are positive?
- How often should the test be repeated If my results are negative?
Men who are 70 years old and older may not need to be screened for prostate cancer routinely.
How to Detect Prostate Cancer
Initially, your doctor will conduct a PSA test — a simple blood test that checks your PSA levels — and a physical exam.
In addition to a PSA test, a urine test may be recommended to check for urinary tract infections.
PSA Screening
PSA screening is a simple blood test that checks your PSA levels. It is the most common prostate cancer test.
The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
PSA levels can also be affected by:
- Age
- Race
- Certain medical procedures
- Medications
- An enlarged prostate
- A prostate infection
PSA screening results may show:
- Normal PSA levels.Suggest your prostate is healthy and further tests may not be necessary.
- Elevated PSA levels. Suggest your prostate is enlarged and/or inflamed and further tests should be performed.
Interpreting PSA screening results can be difficult because:
- The test may not always provide an accurate result
- It is possible to have prostate cancer and have a normal PSA level
Your specialist is always the best, most qualified professional to interpret your results. If PSA levels are elevated, another PSA test may be recommended for confirmation.
Digital Rectal Exam
As part of prostate cancer screening, your specialist may decide to perform a digital rectal exam. During the exam, the specialist gently inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum and examines the adjacent prostate, checking for size, shape, and texture abnormalities that may suggest further tests are needed.
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may order imaging tests such as:
- Ultrasound, in which images of the inside of the body are formed using sound waves passing through the body
- X-rays, in which radiation is used to create images of the inside of the body
- Cystoscopy, in which an endoscope is inserted in the urethra to allow a view of the bladder and urethra
- Bone scan, in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the patient to determine whether high concentrations of proliferating cells may indicate cancer
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan, in which x-ray images are combined using a computer to create a 3D picture of the inside of the body
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be ordered to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Core Needle Biopsy
A core needle biopsy is a commonly ordered test after a cancer screening that shows elevated PSA levels and/or prostate abnormalities.
During the minimally invasive procedure, a cancer specialist collects a prostate tissue sample and sends it to the lab for analysis.
A pathologist examines the cells to see if they are cancerous. If they are, prostate cancer is diagnosed, graded and assigned a Gleason score, which indicates the likeliness that cancer will grow and spread.
Why Choose Us for Prostate Cancer Care
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
Our integrated cancer care model includes New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, comprised of:
- Nationally and internationally recognized oncologists, radiation oncologists and urologists
- Advanced practice nurses and certified technicians with advanced credentials in prostate cancer specialty care
- Nurse navigators
- Nutrition experts
- Oncology support professionals
To contact one of New Jersey’s best prostate cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or
844-226-2376.
