KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males should start screening at age 40.
- For the general population, the American Urological Association recommends screening at age 55.
- The PSA test is an important tool for the early detection of prostate cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a common test used to screen for prostate cancer. However, there has been controversy over when men should start getting tested for this type of cancer. In this article, we will discuss the right time for a PSA test according to Dr. Yaser Bassel, a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, and a member of Advanced Urology Institute.
Who Should Start Screening at Age 40?
Dr. Yaser Bassel recommends that men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males should start screening at age 40. This is because they are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, and they are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age. Additionally, men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
What Does the Screening Involve?
The screening process for prostate cancer typically involves a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and high levels of PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer. The digital rectal exam involves a doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland and check for any abnormalities.
When Should the General Population Start Screening?
For the general population, the American Urological Association recommends screening at age 55. This is because the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. However, if a man has a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors, such as African-American heritage, he may need to start screening earlier.
The Importance of Early Detection
The PSA test is an important tool for the early detection of prostate cancer. When caught early, prostate cancer is often treatable, and the chances of survival are high. However, if prostate cancer is not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important for men to talk to their doctor about the right time for them to start getting screened for prostate cancer.
Advanced Urology Institute
Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, with multiple locations throughout the state, including Tampa. They offer a wide range of urological services, including prostate cancer screenings, and their team of experienced urologists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to their patients. If you are in need of urological care, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Advanced Urology Institute.
TRANSCRIPTION:
My name is Yaser Bassel. I’m a board-certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.
In particular, it’s important for men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males to start screening at age 40. And again, that’s typically done with an annual PSA blood test and also a digital rectal exam. For the general population, the American Urological Association now recommends screening at age 55. It’s pretty simple. It involves really just a simple blood test that’s done once a year and then also a prostate exam or a digital rectal exam.
REFERENCES:
- “What Is Screening for Prostate Cancer? | CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.htm.
- “Prostate Cancer Screening | PSA Test – MedlinePlus.” 29 Mar. 2022, https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancerscreening.html.
- “Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-age-specific-screening-guidelines.
