Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Prostate cancer screenings help find prostate cancers when they are the most treatable.
Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines
Not everyone needs a prostate cancer screening. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends the decision should start with an informed conversation between you and your health care provider and not be decided by age alone.
However, there are few guidelines that may help you decide if prostate cancer screenings are right for you. Those at higher risk for prostate cancer include people who are assigned male at birth and are over 50 years old, particularly those who are Black or are of African ancestry with a family history of prostate cancer.
Types of Prostate Cancer Screenings
There are 3 prostate cancer screening tests.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-stimulating antigen or PSA. The test measures the PSA level in the blood. PSA may be present at higher levels in the blood of people who have prostate cancer. A prostate infection or inflammation may also elevate PSA levels.
An elevated PSA does not mean you have prostate cancer. That's why it's important to talk with a doctor about your results.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Digital rectal exams, (DRE) are typically performed by your doctor during your annual physical exam. During a DRE, your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum (the part of your large intestine that ends at the anus) to check the rectum, surrounding tissue, and the prostate for abnormalities or lumps. A DRE may help detect prostate cancers that can be felt on exam.
MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy
This advanced technology helps detect and classify different types of prostate cancer using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to take detailed pictures inside your body, while ultrasound uses sound waves to create images. The images are combined to give your provider a more precise area to biopsy.
If you had a recent MRI to rule out prostate cancer, a fusion biopsy may help your urologist and radiologist review the MRI images that are clear enough to fuse with an ultrasound for biopsy
Prostate Cancer Screenings at Penn Medicine
Our prostate cancer team uses their expertise to get you the right screenings and tests for prostate cancer. Their efforts mean you experience a more efficient diagnosis process. They also ensure you connect with the right specialists for your care.
Penn Medicine expertise also includes prostate cancer genetics. If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you have an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Through the Basser Center for BRCA, our researchers study new ways to treat and prevent BRCA-related cancers like prostate cancer. They use their experience to help you understand and manage your personal cancer risk so you and your doctor will have the accurate information needed to make informed screening decisions.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.