Early Prostate Cancer Detection

The survival rate for prostate cancer increases significantly with early detection and treatment. From age 40, you should have a rectal examination and PSA blood test every two years; after the age of 50, you should have this examination every year.

• Blood test - The prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test is used to determine the PSA level. The higher the PSA level, the more likely cancer is present.
• Rectal exam - In a digital rectal exam (DRE), your doctor will feel for lumps in the prostate by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. An ultrasound may also be used to visualize your prostate.

If your doctor feels anything that is not normal during the rectal exam, or is concerned about the results of your PSA test, he or she may perform a needle biopsy. During a needle biopsy, several needles are placed into the prostate to remove some cells for examination under a microscope. Cells taken during the biopsy are studied in a lab to help decide how aggressive the tumor might be. This process, called grading, measures how similar cancer cells are to normal cells.