Regular Prostate Screenings - Importance and Process

Image credit: phescreening.blog.gov.uk

What is a screening test for prostate cancer?

Tests are used to screen for different types of cancer when a person does not have symptoms. There is no standard or routine screening test for prostate cancer. A prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) RNA test may be used for certain patients. Screening tests for prostate cancer are being studied in clinical trials.

Is prostate cancer screening a good idea?

Cancer screening tests — including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for signs of prostate cancer — can be a good idea. Prostate cancer screening can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective. But it isn't perfect. Some men may find that the downsides of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential benefits.

Should men be screened for prostate cancer?

Routinely screening all men to check their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community. There are several reasons for this. PSA tests are unreliable and can suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists (a false-positive result).

What is a prostate-specific antigen test?

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer.

Should prostate cancer screening be a good idea?

Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS. The UK National Screening Committee doesn’t currently recommend screening for prostate cancer. This is because the PSA test is not reliable enough to detect prostate cancer that needs treatment.

What tests are used to check if you have prostate cancer?

Read about the tests and checks used to see if you have prostate cancer or another prostate problem. They include the PSA blood test, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate biopsy and scans. We also explain what your results might mean.

What Is Regular Prostate Screenings

1. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/psa-testing/
3. https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psa-test/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087
5. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-screening-pdq
6. https://www.mayoclinichealthcare.co.uk/patient-care/cancer-screenings/prostate-cancer-screening
7. https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3581

Regular Prostate Screenings Information

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prostate-specific-antigen-testing-description-in-brief