Prostate cancer can be detected early through blood tests screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a type of protein found in the prostate. The first step is to have an open dialogue with your clinician to see if prostate cancer screening is appropriate.

“Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, there are great ways to detect it at a curable stage. When to begin screening depends on your risk of prostate cancer, which is influenced by a combination of factors including age, family history, race and lifestyle,” says Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD, urologic oncologist and chair of the Department of Urology at Northwestern Medicine. “I encourage all men to discuss the test with their doctor to develop a screening plan tailored to their individual risk.”

Prevention begins with understanding prostate cancer. Here are key facts.

Fact No. 1: Prostate cancer can affect men of all ages.

Although risk increases after age 65 or older, more than 35% of those diagnosed each year are diagnosed at an earlier age. Screening for a man at average risk of developing prostate cancer is recommended to begin between the ages of 50 and 55 years. All men should be aware of their risks and, if it runs in their family or if you are of African ancestry, screening should begin around the age of 40 years.

Fact No. 2: Prostate cancer is associated with other cancers.

Research shows that hereditary (or familial) prostate cancer is not only associated with prostate cancer in first degree relatives but also breast cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. “Individuals with a strong history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and occasionally pancreatic cancer can have genes that increase their risk for developing prostate cancer,” says Dr. Schaeffer. 

Fact No. 3: Prostate cancer is not just hereditary.

Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer are two times as likely to develop the disease. Even so, most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history of it. Other important risk factors include your age, race, physical health and lifestyle.

Fact No. 4: Prostate cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms.

Especially in its early stages. Not all men experience symptoms, or symptoms can be mistaken for something else. This makes it important for men to have regular check-ups.

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Painful or burning urination
• Pelvic pain

Fact No. 5: The PSA test doesn’t just look for cancer.

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. High levels can indicate inflammation, infection or cancer in the prostate. A prostate biopsy is needed to confirm cancer.

Fact No. 6: Impotence and urinary incontinence are not inevitable side effects of treatment.

It is true that men may experience erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) immediately after surgery or radiation. However, the risk of these side effects depends on several factors, including the type of prostate cancer treatment, your overall health and the extent of the cancer. Most men will see an improvement within one year.

Assess your prostate cancer risk.