Importance of Prostate Cancer Screenings

Importance of Prostate Cancer Screenings

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP

What is a Prostate gland?

The prostate is a gland which is part of the male reproductive system. Its job is to produce fluid that is part of the semen. When cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control, cancer develops. The risk for developing prostate cancer increases as men age. To screen for prostate cancer, a blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen), and a digital rectal examination may be done.

 

Who should be screened?

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the group who provides guidelines for health screening services in the U.S., suggest the following for prostate cancer screening:

● Men aged 55-69 years old should make an individual decision about getting PSA screening. They should have this conversation with their healthcare team about the risks and benefits of screening

● Men over the age of 70 should not be routinely screened

 

The potential risks of screening include getting a false-positive result, which would then lead to unnecessary tests such as imaging studies and biopsies. For some men, screening will find prostate cancer that would otherwise not have caused them any significant health problems. This could then lead to treatment of their cancer that puts them at risk of developing side effects.

Screening Guidelines.

The American Cancer Society suggests a variation to the USPSTF guidelines above. They suggest that the discussion of screening should be held at the following times:

● Age 40 for those at highest risk, meaning men with more than one first-degree relative with prostate cancer diagnosed at an early age (younger than age 65)

● Age 45 for men at high risk, those who are African American men, and those with a first degree relative who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer younger than age 65

● Age 50 for men at average risk and who are expected to live at least 10 more

 

In conclusion, prostate cancer is a serious disease that affects many men. However, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, including getting screened regularly. You should talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be getting screened for prostate cancer based on your personal risk factors.

Increasing awareness of the importance of early detection and screening can help save the lives of those affected by prostate cancer.

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
Julie is an oncology certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of medical oncology experience. In addition to her clinical work, she is an accomplished healthcare writer providing oncology content for various publications. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for a Master's nursing program and a chair for Doctoral nursing students.

Download our
mobile app

Share this post
You may also like
Articles
The facts about floor of mouth cancer-what causes it, symptom, and treatment
December 22, 2022

Floor-of-mouth cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. This cancer most often starts in the squamous cells that cover the oral cavity. Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing floor of the mouth…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

Articles
The advances in melanoma staging and treatment
November 8, 2022

Melanoma Staging Once a diagnosis of melanoma has been made, the oncologist may order imaging studies to see if melanoma has spread to other areas of the body. Melanoma is staged from stage 0 to IV, with melanoma becoming more advanced the higher the stage.  When the biopsy has resulted…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

Articles
Palliative Care Patient Experience
April 11, 2023

Palliative care is a specialized medical approach that aims to improve the quality of life of patients who are experiencing cancer or a serious illness. Palliative care can be provided in conjunction with cancer treatment, and the focus is to manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and enhance the overall well-being…

Jenni Daniel BSN, RN

author

cancerGO gives you access to a community

Where are people to listen, answer questions, share information, and offer valuable and timely advice