Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, with an estimated 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. A discussion with your doctor for the screening for prostate cancer is recommended for men ages 55 to 69 years, and sometimes even at younger or older ages based on individual risk circumstances.
Since the early 1980s, doctors have used a blood test to identify prostate cancer at its earliest, most curable stage. The blood test is known as a ‘PSA test’ because it measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland and also by most prostate cancers.
However, PSA screening has become a hotly debated topic for the following reasons:
- Testing may lead to a diagnosis of prostate cancer that is not likely to harm you or kill you but may cause you unnecessary anxiety.
- A high PSA level may not necessarily be caused by prostate cancer and a low PSA level can be reassuring even though prostate cancer may still be possible. Only additional testing can diagnose cancer.
- Treating prostate cancer found through screening may lead to side effects of erectile dysfunction or urine leakage. In this way, the treatment of some prostate cancers may cause more health problems for you than the cancer would have if left alone.
However, the benefits of screening are many:
- PSA testing can detect early-stage cancers that a rectal examination would miss.
- Identifying cancer early can help reduce symptoms, make treatment easier, or prevent prostate cancer deaths.
- Screening gives you the opportunity to monitor the cancer closely. Most prostate cancers found by screening are considered low-risk and can be managed without surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. In some cases, they just need to be monitored regularly with blood tests, x-rays, follow-up appointments, and potentially prostate biopsies. In other words, you can delay or avoid treatment until the cancer shows signs of increasing its activity.
- Knowing your PSA level and family history can help a provider determine your risk for prostate cancer.
IMPORTANT TAKE-AWAY: The only way to know if you have cancer is by screening, and without screening, you will not be able to have life-saving treatment if necessary. Most prostate cancers are considered low-risk and do not require treatment, but monitoring them will ensure they don’t become life-threatening. Speak to your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer and the pros and cons of screening.
If you or a family member are affected by a serious health condition, counselling can be helpful. Call LifeAssist if you have any questions – even the awkward ones!