Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and one of the deadliest. It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that in 2019 about 174,650 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Several risk factors increase a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer. These factors are taken into consideration when a doctor recommends screening. Age is the most common risk factor. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65.
Other risk factors include family history, race and possibly diet. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing it. African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer, while Asian and Native American men have the lowest. There is some evidence that a diet high in animal fat may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the prostate-specific antigen test along with a digital rectal exam to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 and older. During the DRE the doctor can detect prostate abnormalities through the rectal wall. Doctors often use the DRE and PSA test together as prostate cancer screening tests.
All men have low levels of PSA in the blood. However, prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels. As men become older both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more frequent.
The doctor will take the PSA test result into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer. If there are no other signs of cancer, the doctor may recommend repeating the DRE and PSA regularly to watch for any changes.
It is recommended that all men over age 50 have yearly screening for prostate cancer. Men who are at higher risk are advised to start screening at age 40 or 45.
If you have any questions about PSA testing, talk with your doctor or call 258-6221 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375)
