How Can You Be Screened For Prostate Cancer?

By Author: Shravan P
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Screening for prostate cancer from the best cancer hospital in Chennai is a meaningful way to see the disease in its early stages. This article will discuss how you can be screened for prostate cancer.

What is prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer screening involves testing for the disease in men with no symptoms. The most common screening tests for prostate cancer are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. During a DRE, a healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any lumps or abnormalities. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer.

Who should be screened for prostate cancer?
The decision to screen for prostate cancer is a personal one that should be made in consultation with the best oncologists in Chennai. The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss the ...
... benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider starting at age 50 for most men. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer, such as African American men and men with a family history of the disease, should have this discussion starting at age 45. Men with a very high risk of developing prostate cancer, such as those with multiple family members who have had the disease at a young age, should consider screening starting at age 40.

What are the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening?
The benefits of prostate cancer screening include the early detection and treatment of the disease, which can lead to better outcomes and a higher chance of survival. However, there are also risks associated with screening. False-positive test results can lead to unnecessary further testing and anxiety, while false-negative results can delay diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, treatment for prostate cancer can have side effects, including impotence and urinary incontinence. Before deciding to undergo testing, it is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with the cancer hospital in Chennai.

How often should you be screened for prostate cancer?
The frequency of prostate cancer screening depends on the results of previous tests and individual risk factors. If DRE and PSA test results are expected, a healthcare provider may recommend screening again in two years. If the PSA level is elevated or there are abnormalities on the DRE, further testing may be necessary, such as a prostate biopsy. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing treatment should be monitored regularly with PSA tests to ensure the cancer does not return.

In conclusion, screening for prostate cancer is an essential tool for detecting the disease in its early stages. The decision to undergo screening should be made in consultation with cancer treatment in Chennai, considering individual risk factors and the benefits and risks of testing. The most common screening tests for prostate cancer are the DRE and PSA blood tests. The frequency of screening depends on the results of previous tests and individual risk factors.