What Screening Tests Are There for Prostate Cancer?

Health Tips for Men About Prostate Cancer: What You Can Do [PDF-163KB]

Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. However, most prostate cancers grow slowly or not at all.

Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer—

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.

As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others. PSA levels also can be affected by—

• Certain medical procedures.
• Certain medications.
• An enlarged prostate.
• A prostate infection.

Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results. Only a biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer for sure.