PSA Screenings

Prostate issues can be concerning. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will battle prostate cancer in his lifetime, and one in 41 will lose that battle.

Though men used to schedule prostate screenings starting at age 50, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now suggests that you discuss the potential benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings with your healthcare provider. This change avoids overdiagnosis and allows you and your doctor to craft an individualized health plan.

In 2022, an estimated 268,490 new cases will arise, and prostate cancer will cause 34,500 deaths. Some of those men might never experience symptoms, so a screening could be the only chance to catch the disease early on. Considering the statistics, it might seem counter-intuitive to discourage screenings. The U.S Preventive Services Task Force agrees that while screenings can catch asymptomatic cancer early on, they also worry about the psychological harms of false positives, diagnostic biopsies and treatment—especially in men over 70. Cancer treatment harms can include urinary incontinence and long-term erectile dysfunction.

Prostate cancer progresses slowly and can cause no symptoms during the earliest stages, yet PSA screening can be a stressful decision. Talk to your primary care physician about any worries or possible risks, such as family medical history and lifestyle choices. Schedule an appointment right away if you experience:

• A need to frequently urinate, especially at night
• Blood in urine or semen
• Difficulty starting or holding back urination
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Painful ejaculation
• Painful or interrupted flow of urine

The causes of prostate cancers aren't well understood, but some risk factors include:

• Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than age 40. Around 60% of prostate cancers occur in men older than 65.
• Ethnicity/Race. African-American and Caribbean men of African ancestry have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer than men of other races.
• Diet. According to the American Cancer Society, diets with red meat and high-fat dairy products are risk factors for men.
• Family history. If you have a brother or father diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk more than doubles.
• Smoking. Although it is unclear whether or not there is a link between smoking and prostate cancer, studies have found that prostate cancer patients who smoke have more aggressive cancers.

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