Men can be checked for prostate cancer before any symptoms develop. Although studies so far have not shown that screening tests reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer, men may want to talk with the doctor about the possible benefits and harms of being checked for this disease. The decision to be screened, like many other medical decisions, is a personal one. Each man should decide after learning about the pros and cons of screening.
The doctor can explain more about these screening tests:
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall to check for hard or lumpy areas.
- Blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA): A lab checks the level of PSA in the man's blood sample. A high level of PSA most commonly is caused by BPH or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). It also may result from prostate cancer.
The digital rectal exam and PSA test can be used to detect a prostate problem, but they cannot show whether a problem is cancer or another, less serious condition. The doctor will use the results of these tests to help decide whether to check further for signs of cancer.
