When prostate cancer is detected early, it can be treated more effectively. Inspira offers several options for prostate cancer screening.
Inspira’s Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening
The American Urologic Association recommends people ages 55 to 69 talk with a doctor about prostate cancer screening. Men who are African American, smokers or have a family history should start the discussion sooner. Don't put off talking about whether screening is right for you.
There are two primary ways to complete a prostate screening, which are often used in tandem:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen Test (PSA)
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend DRE as a screening test alone because of a lack of evidence on the benefits.
Whether or not to undergo these tests is a decision you should make with your primary care doctor or urologist. Together, review your risk factors (age, race, family and personal history) as well as the pros and cons of screening.
Current research shows a significant drop in prostate cancer deaths since the introduction of PSA and DRE screening.
Not every person needs to be screened; not every person who has an elevated PSA level needs a biopsy; not every person with prostate cancer needs treatment.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Test (PSA)
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a substance produced by the prostate. The PSA test checks for elevated levels of PSA in the blood, which can be a sign of prostate cancer. It’s important to note that other conditions can cause elevated PSA levels.
Digital Rectal Exam
The digital rectal exam is a first-line physical examination for prostate cancer. Your provider will manually check for unusual growth or inflammation.
If you’d like more information about cancer screening, diagnosis or prevention, our team is here to help.
