When so many options exist for prostate screening tests, no man should resist his doctor’s advice when it comes time to have one. But many men choose to live in denial and refuse to get tested for fear of these very simple diagnostic options. They think they’ll be uncomfortable or fear the pain of tests. A little knowledge about what really happens during an exam or test should provide much reassurance. There is no reason to fear being screened for possible changes in the prostate gland, changes which could indicate the very early stages of cancer. With a high cure rate (particularly if detected early), it is vital to have regular exams for prostate cancer.
So what happens during a prostate screening test? There are two options that are used most frequently. The first test is a DRE or digital rectal exam. A medical professional, most often a doctor or nurse, will simply and gently probe inside the rectum (usually with a gloved finger) to feel the prostate gland.
While this may admittedly not be the most comfortable of exams, the discomfort is often surprisingly minimal and special lubricants are used to make things as easy as possible. Many men have said that fearing the pain was worst than the actual reality and that the discomfort was minimal. An experienced medical professional can often make this exam relatively stress-free.
A digital rectal exam generally takes a very short time but can give the doctor or nurse much information. Lumps, bumps or any abnormalities can often be felt. If this is the case (and prostate screening tests are conducted regularly), odds are high that any problems will be caught early. It is vital to remember this. Other conditions can be present and cancer is not an automatic conclusion.
Instead of a digital rectal exam, some men may prefer to have blood drawn for their prostate screening test. This is certainly another possible option and indeed may be chosen before a digital rectal exam, with the doctor’s approval. There is some controversy, however, as to whether a digital rectal exam or aPSA is more accurate. For men who fear the potential discomfort of digital rectal exams, a PSA may be the best option.
This test measures the level of PSA in the blood and all that is needed is a bit of blood drawn from the arm. PSA stands for Prostate specific antigen test. High levels of PSA may indicate prostate cancer. However, it is important to remember that other conditions can cause PSA levels to rise. False negatives can occur. Again, as with the digital rectal exam, it is important for men with high PSA levels not to panic. Often it can take more than one type of prostate screening test to determine if there is any cancer present.
Doctors are working on special, more accurate PSA tests that are even more detailed than the ones used now. However, these prostate screening tests are still in the research stage. They may become available in the next few years. Until then, regular PSA tests and digital recal exams are still the best way to detect these cancers early.
Since many prostate cancers grow slowly, is it really necessary to get a prostate screening test? After all, even if cancer is present, many doctors will monitor the cancer and not start treatment. Some men can live normal lives without having to go through cancer treatment. The decision to get screened should be based on many factors, including family history, age, race (African Americans get prostate cancer more often than many other men) and risk factors. Most importantly, if and when a trusted family physician or medical professional feels it is time for a screening, it is best to heed the doctor’s advice.