Prostate cancer is a serious men's health issue in the United States, with approximately one in every eight men being diagnosed with the illness over their lifetime. Luckily, even if you're predisposed to the condition, you can still get a prostate screening to catch it early and receive the proper treatment. Consult the guide below to learn more about how the screening works and what to expect. 

What Is a Prostate Screening?

A prostate screening is an essential men’s health procedure where a doctor examines the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder. This gland produces the fluid that transports sperm. During the screening, a health care professional will insert two fingers into the rectum to inspect the prostate gland for cancer and other irregularities such as abnormal bumps or shapes.

Some physicians will perform the screening with a blood test that analyzes the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the gland. Men with PSA levels between 4 and 10 have a 25% chance of developing cancer. If the PSA level is higher, the likelihood of cancer is over 50%. 

Many men will hesitate to undergo the screening, but it just takes a few minutes and is relatively painless. Before scheduling the procedure, it's best to consult with a physician to further clarify what to expect and address any concerns you might have.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer?

Any man can get prostate cancer, but those who are 50 or older, African-American or Caribbean of African ancestry, or have a family history of the disease are at a higher risk. Medical experts don't know the reason behind the disparity in the disease rates between races, but they suspect lifestyle may play a factor.

For instance, compared to Caucasians, Asian Americans have a lower risk of the disease, but their risk is higher than that of men of similar ethnicity who live in Asia.

Why Is Screening Important?

It’s common for men to put off prostate screenings and other medical checkups, only visiting the doctor once they've taken ill. However, prostate cancer is a fatal disease that frequently does not show symptoms until it has spread into other organs such as the liver and lungs. Screening allows you to detect problems early, when they are more treatable, and the survival rate is above 99%. If you experience symptoms like difficulty emptying your bladder, or having blood in your urine, you should see a doctor.

To schedule a prostate cancer screening, get in touch with Arete Family Care LLC in Anchorage, AK. This family medical practice is staffed with a compassionate and highly skilled team of physicians who provide a host of men’s health checkups and treatments. They can accurately diagnose your condition and provide sound medical advice and effective treatment. Call (907) 777-1850 to schedule an appointment or their website to learn more.