Prostate cancer often does not show obvious physical signs, especially since it tends to grow slowly. While it is most commonly detected in older men over age 60, all men should know the signs and symptoms associated with the disease and follow a screening plan.
Screening can help detect prostate cancer development before symptoms appear. The recommended screening age is 50 for average-risk men. However, discussing risk factors with your doctor can help determine if you should start getting screened sooner.
Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations
The PSA blood test is important for early detection and successful treatment of prostate cancer.
What does a PSA blood test report on?
PSA, prostate-specific antigens, are produced by the prostate and found in the blood. When levels are consistently elevated, further testing should be done to find the cause – which can be cancer but is more likely a non-cancerous condition.
There’s no specific “normal” level of PSA. It gradually increases as you age, but anything under 4 nanograms per milliliter is likely not cancer. Levels between 4 and 10 will likely be monitored to see if PSA continues increasing. A PSA above 10 will likely lead to additional testing and possibly imaging tests to see if a tumor is present.
When to Start Screening
Recommendations for when to start screening due to an elevated PSA vary based on age, history, and ethnicity.
According to the American Cancer Society, the current recommendations to start prostate cancer screening are as follows:
Average-risk men should begin screening at age 50
High-risk men, such as African American men and men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age, should begin screening at age 45
Men with a family history of prostate cancer might need to be screened starting as early as age 40
In addition to a PSA blood test, a digital rectal exam is commonly performed at the same appointment. This exam allows the physician to touch the prostate gland and identify any abnormalities, such as nodules, lumps, or hardness. Further testing, such as a biopsy, may be suggested if anything is detected during the exam.
What If the PSA Test Comes Back High?
A single elevated PSA test result is not cause for immediate alarm. There are quite a few reasons for an elevated PSA, including a non-cancerous condition, riding a bike for long periods of time, or recently having intercourse. If the test result shows high levels of PSA, the test will be repeated after some time to see if there are further increases or if levels are settling back to a normal range.
When Prostate Cancer Symptoms Appear
Some men experience their first symptom of prostate cancer after it has grown outside of the prostate. Prostate cancer cells in the spine, hips, or other bones can cause bone pain and be the initial symptom of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, these late-stage symptoms are more challenging to treat. To avoid late-stage detection, men must go to the doctor annually for their prostate cancer screenings.
Other symptoms of prostate cancer include:
Sudden urge to urinate
Blood in the urine or semen
Frequent need to urinate (especially at night)
Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Difficulty starting urination and/or straining to empty bladder
Painful ejaculation
Recent trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
Symptoms & Test Results Sometimes Confused with Prostate-Related Conditions Other Than Cancer
It's important to note that experiencing a weak or slow urine stream may not necessarily be a sign of prostate cancer. This could be a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) caused by the urethra being squeezed by an enlarged prostate.
Other symptoms, such as a rising PSA or erectile dysfunction, may be linked to other health issues and lifestyle factors. This makes it even more important to report any changes in your body to your doctor for proper screening and further evaluation to determine the best course of action moving forward.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any potential symptoms of prostate cancer, schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause. Even if the symptoms don’t seem serious, it’s best to be examined so a diagnosis can be made. Learn more about how prostate cancer is tested and diagnosed.
If you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, consider Affiliated Oncologists to help guide you through your prostate cancer journey. We can assist you at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment. Find a location near you in the south Chicago suburbs.