Prostate Cancer Screening

Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?

Physicians may recommend a prostate cancer screening program to men who have an elevated risk of developing the condition. Men ages 55-69 should have a conversation with their doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening. Others may begin screening a few years earlier if they are African American/black, have a family member with prostate cancer, or another similar risk factor. However, prostate cancer screenings are rarely necessary for men under the age of 40, unless otherwise indicated by their overall health status and history.

Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer

A prostate cancer screening may incorporate a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE). The goal of these prostate cancer screening techniques is to identify potentially cancerous growths early on in their development when the tumors are most responsive to treatment and the prognosis is most favorable. Men may also choose to participate in screenings to take a more proactive role in their health care and gain valuable peace of mind.

Prostate-Specific Angeten (PSA) Testing

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a relatively simple blood test that measures levels of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by prostate tissue. A small amount of PSA normally enters the bloodstream, while higher PSA levels may be indicative of prostate cancer. It is also possible that a non-cancerous condition may cause elevated PSA levels. If your PSA level result is unusually high, you can schedule an appointment with our cancer experts to discuss the next step. No referral is needed.   

What is PSA and how does it relate to prostate cancer?

PSA is a protein produced by prostate tissue, so there's normally a small amount of PSA in the bloodstream. Because cancerous cells typically produce more PSA than noncancerous cells, an elevated PSA blood level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. In general, the higher the PSA level, the more likely a prostate issue is present.

With that said, the PSA test – once considered the gold standard for prostate cancer screening – is not infallible. That’s because, in addition to prostate cancer, PSA blood levels can also rise for other, less serious reasons, such as:

• The natural aging process
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Certain medical procedures that can affect the tissues surrounding the prostate, such as the placement of a catheter into the bladder
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate)
• A urinary tract infection
• Certain medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride

Therefore, when evaluating PSA levels, a physician will consider a number of other factors, such as the patient’s age and medical history.

Digital Rectal Exam

A digital rectal exam (DRE), allows a physician to manually assess the size of the prostate and check for any abnormal lumps. Should an unusual growth be found, the physician may request a transrectal or transperitoneal biopsy to help determine the nature of the cells.

Moffitt Cancer Center's Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we offer a wide range of care for prostate cancer. If you’re concerned about your prostate cancer risk, or if you already had a PSA elevation abnormal DRE, or both, please contact our specialists to discuss the next steps. 

If you have a high PSA level and require further testing, you can be screened for prostate cancer at Moffitt. We don’t require a physician’s referral to make an appointment with our Genitourinary Oncology Program; call 1-888-663-3488, or complete a new patient registration form.

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