Screening for Prostate Cancer

Should you be screened?

There is much controversy regarding who should be tested for prostate cancer. Since the advent of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, it has become easier to identify men who may have prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is normally slow growing and treatment of the disease for some men may result in a significant decrease of quality of life without improving overall survival. But, some prostate cancer is very aggressive and those men may benefit from the early diagnosis that screening provides.
 

PCRI suggests Annual Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and Annual PSA Testing for men over 40 years of age and men at risk over 35.  Once diagnosed, we suggest that risk factors and treatment options be carefully evaluated to determine if-and-when treatment is advantageous.

Related resources:

The PCRI Views Regarding Testing for Prostate Cancer

What Every Doctor Who Treats Male Patients Should Know

For Your Sons, Promoting Awareness within the Family

Dr. Scholz’s Comments – March 2009

Page updated 8/1/11