Prostate Cancer Screening
Proactive Screening for Prostate Health
Prostate cancer often develops without symptoms, so regular screenings are essential for your overall health. The Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has treated more men for prostate cancer than any other institution in the state, making it the best place to get your screening.
Screening Overview
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we believe proactive detection and monitoring are key to managing cancer successfully. We promote and assist with expansive cancer screening programs throughout the Puget Sound to give our patients the best chance of catching cancer in its earliest stages - when treatment is most effective.
When caught early, prostate cancer has a survival rate of more than 99%, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Our specialists use advanced screening options, like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, alongside digital rectal exams (DRE) and MRI or ultrasound imaging, to gather detailed insights and recommend next steps in your personalized treatment plan as needed.
What to Expect
There are a few common types of prostate cancer screening tests, including a blood draw called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE), usually performed together. In some cases, imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound are used to provide detailed views of the prostate, help detect areas of concern, and further guide evaluation.
Before your screening, discuss your risk factors and any concerns with your primary care doctor or urologist. This helps determine the appropriate age and frequency for screening based on your individual risk profile.
You usually don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the screening tests themselves but be sure to tell your primary care doctor or urologist about any medications you're taking, as some can affect test results.
Prostate cancer screening tests are quick and typically painless. After the tests, you can resume normal activities right away.
Once your results are ready, your primary care doctor or urologist contacts you to discuss any necessary follow-up steps.
Screening helps detect prostate cancer early – often before symptoms develop – which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Screening tests may also find slow-growing prostate cancers that may not cause harm during your lifetime.
Your care team can help you make an informed decision about next steps based on your screening results.
If you need further testing or treatment, we offer a full range of services, including advanced imaging, minimally invasive treatments, and patient support resources. Our multidisciplinary team works with you to develop a personalized care plan that’s tailored to your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor or urologist helps determine the best screening schedule for you, which depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. Men at average risk should discuss screening with their doctor starting at age 50.
Those at higher risk – such as men with a family history of prostate cancer – may need to begin screening earlier, around age 40 or 45.
Regardless of your age, tell your doctor if you notice urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak stream, or increased frequency, especially at night. While these signs don’t always indicate cancer, they may point to a condition that needs medical attention.
- PSA test: This blood test measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate cancer activity. Elevated PSA levels may require further testing.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): DRE is a quick physical exam. Combined with the PSA test, DRE is a vital tool for detecting prostate cancer in men without symptoms.
- Transrectal ultrasound: This test uses a small ultrasound probe to create detailed images of the prostate.
- Extended field biopsy with periprostatic analgesia: This procedure uses a transrectal ultrasound probe to guide a biopsy needle in collecting 10 to 12 core samples of the prostate.
Prostate cancer screening often starts with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA test is a simple blood draw, typically performed by a nurse or trained phlebotomist.
During the DRE, your doctor or urologist will gently insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check the prostate for abnormalities in size, shape, or texture. In some cases, they might recommend additional tests like a transrectal ultrasound or MRI to provide more insights.
Prostate cancer screening is a fast process. The PSA blood test takes only a few minutes, and the DRE typically lasts less than a minute.
If additional tests, such as a transrectal ultrasound or biopsy, are needed, those may take 15-30 minutes.
If your screening results show something unusual, such as elevated PSA levels or abnormalities in the prostate, your primary care doctor or urologist may recommend additional tests, such as a transrectal ultrasound or a biopsy, to gather more information. Our compassionate team walks you through the process, answers your questions, and makes sure you feel supported and informed as we work together to determine the best path forward.
Prostate cancer screening generally doesn’t hurt. The PSA blood test is a standard blood draw; the DRE may cause mild discomfort, but it is quick and manageable.
If further tests, like a biopsy, are needed, local anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
Active surveillance is a way to manage early-stage, small-volume prostate cancer that is likely to have a slow progression. While on active surveillance, you get repeated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, physical exams, and other testing to detect if the cancer is becoming a greater risk, and whether you need to begin cancer treatment.
You and your care team may also choose active surveillance if the risks and possible side effects of treatment outweigh the potential benefits. This choice might be offered if you’re older or have other serious health problems; you may start treatment if symptoms occur or get worse.
Yes, prostate cancer can run in families. Men with a father, brother, or other close relatives who had prostate cancer are at higher risk, especially if multiple family members were diagnosed or if the cancer occurred at a younger age.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor or urologist about screening and genetic counseling options.
Yes, if you've been diagnosed somewhere else, our world-class cancer experts can provide you with a second opinion.
Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident in your screening results, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Our specialists encourage additional perspectives if it helps you make informed decisions.
Many patients find it reassuring to confirm their results or diagnosis and explore all available options before moving forward.
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