Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer Test is used for testing the presence of prostate cancer. Like all cancers, when it is found early, prostate cancer can be treated most successfully. If the cancer is allowed to develop beyond a certain point, however, prostate cancer treatment becomes more difficult, if not impossible. Since the rates of risk dramatically increase after the age of fifty, men over this number should have themselves periodically checked for the disease.

Prostate Cancer Screening is not yet a routine procedure, including the United States , where a large portion of cases is diagnosed. Many tests, however, are easily offered at your request.

Prostate Cancer Test : Reasons for Testing

There are several reasons to conduct regular testing with your doctor. First, if you are past a certain age, such as fifty, you are much more at risk than you were before. The risk only grows larger with time. Actually, past the age of seventy-five, the rates of risk explode. About fifty percent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at this age and beyond.

A second reason to conduct testing is when you have family member with the disease. Like age, family history plays a central role with prostate cancer risk. You must surely get tested, if you have male relatives that have a disease.

Certain races are also at greater risk to prostate cancer. If you are African-American, American, or European, when compared to Asians, you are at a higher risk. If you are an Asian that has been living in the United States for a relatively period of time, you are also at a superior risk. 

Prostate Cancer Test(s) to detect Prostate Cancer

In order to detect prostate cancer, there are many different tests used, but none of there is conclusive on its own. The cancer is most effectively detected when the patient has gone through several examination types.

Prostate Cancer PSA Level Blood Test

The prostate-specific antigen blood test, also known as the PSA, is one of the most commonly used tests to discover prostate cancer. If a patient’s level of the prostate-specific antigen is too high, this might indicate that prostate cancer is present. Take note, however, that there are other conditions that can cause an increase of PSA levels.

Prostate Cancer Test : Rectal Examination

In this procedure, to actually feel the prostate gland, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into a patient’s anal tract. An enlarged prostate may indicate prostate cancer; however, there are also other causes that can lead to an enlarged prostate.

Prostate Cancer Test: Ultrasound test

In an ultrasound prostate cancer test, a small probe is inserted inside a patient’s anal tract. This probe proceeds to conduct an ultrasound scan. The scan will reveal the exact proportions of the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Test :Biopsy

In this prostate cancer test, a small sample of the prostate is taken for further analysis. As in the ultrasound test, a small probe is inserted in the anal tract and a needle is used to poke the prostate, thus obtaining the sample.

Prostate Cancer Test: X-Rays

Prostate cancer test x-rays are used to examine the bones found near the prostate. Prostate cancer affects not only the gland itself; it also affects lymph nodes and the bones that are nearby. X-ray tests will reveal the extent of damage that the bones have sustained.