Prostate cancer screening
Understanding prostate cancer
- Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men
- About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime
- Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men
- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men
Prostate cancer risk factors:
- Aging
- Being African-American and/or of Caribbean descent
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Obesity
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test for early detection
PSA, prostate-specific antigen, is a molecule produced by the prostate in elevated amounts in men with prostate cancer or infection. PSA is measured by a blood test.
There continues to be controversy surrounding the value of the PSA test. Some experts believe that routine annual PSA testing leads to more harm than benefit. An elevated PSA often leads to a prostate biopsy and these biopsies carry a risk. At Piedmont, we recommend annual testing starting at age 50, using an informed decision-making approach between you and your doctor.
There are a few known risk factors for developing prostate cancer. Men who are African-American, obese or have family history of prostate cancer are at increased risk of developing this disease. Screening is even more important for these individuals.
Men should discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their doctor or with a urologist.
Contact a Piedmont urologist
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