Screening for prostate cancer means that tests to detect a disease are done before symptoms appear.
Thus, prostate cancer screening aims to detect the disease in the early stages, when treatment can be most effective. It is worth noting that one in seven men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, an incidence that exceeds that of lung and colon cancer.
Screening is necessary after the age of 50 years, while in people with a family history, the first prostate screening should be done at the age of 40-45 years. When the tumour is detected in early stages, it is more easily and effectively treated.
Screening can be done with two tests, which will be determined by the urologist. If either of the two has abnormal findings, the doctor will indicate the necessary further tests to determine whether or not the examinee has prostate cancer.
The first is a blood test to investigate ProstateSpecificAntigen (PSA), which is released into the blood in small amounts. The measurement of high PSA values or continuously significantly increasing PSA values raises the suspicion of prostate cancer.
The second is the rectal finger examination, which allows the evaluation of certain abnormalities in the shape, texture or size of the prostate that may indicate the presence of a tumour.
If prostate cancer is suspected, an ultrasound-guided biopsy is performed in which rectal tissue samples are taken from the prostate, which are sent for histological (microscopic) examination. The histological examination will determine the presence or absence of cancer cells and the degree of malignancy of the cancer.
Only 20% of men who undergo a prostate biopsy and have a PSA between 3-10 are diagnosed with cancer. This percentage increases with increasing PSA. In fact, the higher the PSA and the lower the free-to-total PSA ratio, the higher the chance of prostate cancer.
A negative prostate biopsy does not always rule out cancer. Additional biopsies may be needed if thePSA remains elevated, or increases over time. If prostate cancer is diagnosed, careful evaluation by the urologist will determine whether the cancer is significant and requires treatment or not significant/inactive and requires only bypass surgery.
Selected information from sources:
- MayoClinic.org
- Labtestsonline.org
- Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests – J.Wallach
The personalization of the check-up takes into account multiple parameters of personal and family history.
Depending on the case, the selection of tests may require some that are not mentioned on this page.
The exact selection is the responsibility of your attending physician.
Edited by: Ioannis Gratsias, Lab Director / Clinical Biochemist
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Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer Check-Up
Screening for prostate cancer is an important resource in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this form of cancer, which affects men, usually after middle age. Screening tests involve a series of procedures that allow the doctor to assess the condition of the patient’s prostate and detect a possible cancerous mutation before symptoms appear. While screening cannot prevent cancer from developing, it can help to detect it at an early stage, thus offering better prospects for treatment and survival.
Digital Prostate Ultrasound (DRE): digital prostate ultrasound is a common screening procedure for prostate cancer. During this examination, the doctor inserts a glove with oil into the patient’s anus and feels the prostate to detect any differences in its texture or size.
Blood analysis (PSA): prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis is another common test for prostate cancer prevention. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and high levels of it can indicate problems with the prostate, including cancer.
Protector ultrasound: Prostate ultrasound is a method that uses sound waves to image the prostate and detect potential tumors or other conditions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is an advanced virtual method that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create thin sections of the prostate, providing detailed images for cancer diagnosis.
Prostate biopsy: A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are taken from the prostate for examination under a small telescope to detect cancer cells.
Testosterone test: A testosterone test can provide information about prostate function and any abnormalities in hormonal balance.
Conclusions: Screening for prostate cancer is an important means of detecting this form of cancer at early stages, thus offering the possibility for early treatment and cure of the disease. It is important for men to have regular check-ups and discuss screening options with their doctor, especially if they have a history of prostate cancer in their family or if they have any symptomatic problems related to the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer Check-Up