How to detect prostate cancer? Gentlemen, start your screening

Prostate cancer—the No. 1 cancer diagnosis among men after skin cancer—does not cause symptoms in the early stages. Although many men may ascribe to the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” when it comes to health care, screening can detect prostate cancer early when it’s most treatable.

While routine screening is not recommended across the board, many men can benefit from a simple blood test to determine risk for prostate cancer. Keep reading to learn how screening works and when it’s needed.

The facts about prostate cancer

In 2024 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that 299,010 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., including 4,330 cases here in Louisiana. While this type of cancer is common, it’s not deadly in most cases, especially when treated before it has spread outside the prostate.

Prostate cancer is when cancer cells grow in the prostate gland. Part of the male reproductive system, this gland creates part of the fluid in semen.

This type of cancer is typically slow-growing and often limited to the prostate tissue. When it does spread outside areas of the prostate, it most commonly affects nearby tissues or lymph nodes. The good news is that localized prostate cancer (only in the prostate) and regional prostate cancer (in nearby areas of the body) are both very treatable, with survival rates higher than 99%.

The key is finding prostate cancer in an early stage. Should you have screening tests for prostate cancer? The American Urological Association recommends talking with a medical provider about screening if you are between ages 45 and 69, are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer. Men who are obese or have concerns about urination of recent duration are also at risk.

Even if you don’t fall within those categories, it’s worth talking with your East Jefferson General Hospital primary care provider about your risk for prostate cancer and when and if you should begin screening.

The basics of prostate cancer screening

While there is no routine prostate screening, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is only produced by the prostate and is found in the blood. PSA testing measures how much a man has and tracks changes in PSA levels over time.

An increase in PSA on a blood test can indicate prostate cancer, but PSA testing is not used alone to diagnose prostate cancer. If your provider suspects you have prostate cancer, you may also undergo a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of prostate tissue for analysis under a microscope. Also, imaging tests such as MRI may be used to determine if cancer has spread.

How prostate cancer is treated

A treatment plan for prostate cancer will depend on several factors, such as the stage and grade of the tumor.

Prostate cancer treatment for small, localized prostate cancer may include either active surveillance, which involves observing cancer with regular testing every few months to monitor its progression, or watchful waiting, which consists of observing cancer without routine testing unless symptoms develop.

In cases where additional treatment is recommended, treatment for prostate cancer usually includes surgery or radiation therapy. Surgery, using a procedure known as prostatectomy, removes the prostate gland.

Radiologists at East Jefferson General Hospital can use several different kinds of radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. These include external beam radiation, which delivers high doses of radiation directly to the cancer; internal radiation therapy, which involves placing radioactive material directly into the prostate; and high-intensity focused ultrasound, which uses sound waves to target and heat the tumor, killing it.

Treatment for prostate cancer has two goals—to get rid of cancer and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Your provider can help you determine the right treatment plan for your needs.

Time to Man Up

Join Tulane Urology providers and NFL legends Rickey Jackson, Bobby Hebert and other Saints legends for a FREE men’s health event: Man Up, Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The first 100 eligible men will receive a free PSA prostate blood test.

Attendees can:

• Meet and have pictures taken with Rickey and other Saints legends.
• Hear Rickey’s personal testimony about his prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery.
• Enter a drawing to win memorabilia signed by Rickey and other former players.
• Learn about other men’s health topics from the experts at Tulane Urology.

If you don’t have an established urologist, speak with your primary care provider about getting a referral.

Due for your men’s health checkup? Schedule an appointment with a urologist or your primary care provider today!