Prostate Screening

Detect prostate cancer early by getting your routine screening

Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates among all cancers, but early detection is a critical component to this, which is why it’s so important to show up for your cancer screening.

What can I expect?

Screening blood tests, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), are available through your physician, at our Check-up Day sites for a nominal fee, or at community outreach events.

Screening guidelines for prostate cancer

Under age 54
- No routine PSA based screening recommended.
Ages 55-69
- Greatest benefit of screening in this age group
- Shared decision making based on patient’s values and preferences, life expectancy and cancer risk
Over age 70 or any patient with a 10-15 year life expectancy
- No routine PSA-based screening Some men over 70 who are in exceptional health may benefit from screening

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It's a small organ below the bladder that makes fluid for semen. The prostate also releases prostate-specific antigen (PSA) into the blood. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in your blood. A high PSA level in the blood may mean that your prostate is enlarged or infected. It could also mean that you have prostate cancer.

How do you screen for prostate cancer?

The main screening test for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. It's a blood test that measures how much PSA is in your blood. Along with the PSA test, you may have a digital (finger) rectal exam. This exam checks for anything abnormal in your prostate. To do the exam, the doctor puts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum.

Why are screening tests useful?

Screening tests may be useful because prostate cancer often doesn't cause symptoms. It can be hard to know if you have cancer until it's more advanced. And then it's harder to treat.

What does a high PSA level mean?

A high PSA level may mean that you have an enlarged prostate, an infection or, less often, prostate cancer.

When is more testing needed?

If your PSA test or digital (finger) rectal exam suggests cancer, you may need a prostate biopsy to see if there are cancer cells in the prostate.

Schedule your prostate cancer screening

Most men do not experience prostate cancer symptoms, which can make it difficult to detect without a screening. Check out the screening guidelines and talk to your doctor to see if a prostate cancer screening is right for you.

Schedule a screening through your doctor

Prostate Cancer Screening

Detect prostate cancer early by getting your routine screening

What can I expect?

Screening guidelines for prostate cancer

Schedule your prostate cancer screening