What is the susceptibility for age-related prostate cancer?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am concerned about prostate cancer because I have heard it is common in men my age.

Should I consider getting screened, and what does the screening process involve?
Are there any risks or side effects associated with the screening that I should be aware of?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

Screening methods include:

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
The digital rectal examination (DRE).

Elevated PSA levels can indicate various conditions, including:

Prostate cancer.
Benign conditions such as prostatitis.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia.

It is important to note that not all prostate cancers are life-threatening. Some grow so slowly that they may never cause symptoms.

The PSA test, however, is not without limitations. It can yield false-positive results, which may lead to unnecessary anxiety and biopsies. Treatments, such as surgery or radiation, carry potential risks, including:

Urinary incontinence.
Erectile dysfunction.

A physical examination by a urologist at a hospital is essential for an accurate assessment.

I hope this information is helpful.

Feel free to ask further questions.

Thank you.