Prostate Cancer Screening Summary The prostate is the gland below a man’s bladder that produces fluid for semen. Cancer screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms. Cancer found early may be easier to treat. There is no standard screening test for prostate cancer. Researchers are studying different tests to find those with the fewest risks and most benefits. One test is the digital rectal exam (DRE). The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or anything unusual. Another test is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Your PSA level may be high if you have prostate cancer. It can also be high if you have an enlarged prostate (BPH) or other prostate problems. If your screening results are abnormal, your doctor may do more tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or a biopsy. Prostate cancer screening has risks: Finding prostate cancer may not improve your health or help you live longer The results can sometimes be wrong Follow-up tests, such as a biopsy, may have complications You and your doctor should discuss your risk for prostate cancer, the pros and cons of the screening tests, and whether you should get them. National Cancer Institute Reference Desk About the Prostate Prostate Cancer Foundation Dictionary of Cancer Terms National Cancer Institute The Prostate National Cancer Institute Related Issues African American Men and Prostate Cancer: Be Your Own Advocate and Understand Screening National Cancer Institute Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early? American Cancer Society Risks of Prostate Cancer Screening National Cancer Institute Screening for Prostate Cancer U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Find an Expert American Cancer Society American Cancer Society Find a Cancer Doctor American Society of Clinical Oncology Find a Urologist Urology Care Foundation National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Foundation Prostate Cancer Foundation Start Here American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Screening National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Screening (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Prostate Cancer: Take Time to Decide Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Screening for Prostate Cancer American College of Physicians Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Digital Rectal Examination National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Prostate-Specific Antigen National Institutes of Health Videos and Tutorials Detecting Prostate Cancer National Cancer Institute Array Digital rectal exam Prostate biopsy Prostate cancer screenings PSA Specifics Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) American Society of Clinical Oncology Prostate Cancer Screening: Should You Get a PSA Test? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test National Cancer Institute PSA Test: What’s It for? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research What Tests Can Detect Prostate Cancer? American Cancer Society Genetics Genetics Home Reference: prostate cancer National Library of Medicine Health Check Tools Prostate Cancer Risk Questionnaire Siteman Cancer Center Journal Articles Prostate Cancer Screening
