Prostate cancer screening: What men need to know
[5 MIN READ]
Why it matters:
Prostate cancer is common—but when it’s found early and still confined to the prostate, treatment is highly effective. In fact, cure rates are close to 100% in these cases.
The challenge? Knowing when to start screening and what tests tell you.
The basics
- About 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
- Other than skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer in men.
- Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause symptoms.
“The good news is that we have better tools than ever to detect prostate cancer early—and to avoid unnecessary treatment when cancer is unlikely to cause harm,” says Dr. Brian C. Fong, division chief of urology and director for men’s health at Providence Medical Group - Everett Urology.
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces semen and tends to enlarge with age.
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, meaning they start in the gland’s cells. Many remain confined to the prostate and grow slowly.
“When cancer is limited to the prostate, outcomes are extremely favorable,” Fong says. “That’s why informed screening conversations are so important.”
Screening starts with PSA—but doesn’t end there
The most common first step in prostate cancer screening is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
“A PSA test helps us decide who needs a closer look,” Fong says. “If it’s elevated, we now have advanced imaging and other tests that can guide next steps more precisely.”
Here’s what men should know about the PSA test:
- PSA is not a cancer test—it’s a marker that signals the need for further evaluation.
- Elevated PSA levels don’t always mean cancer, and low levels don’t rule it out.
- Today’s approach uses PSA as a starting point, not a standalone answer.
Other screening tools
If PSA results raise concern, your physician may recommend additional tests, including:
- MRI scans
- Blood or urine-based tests
- Digital rectal exams (DRE), which allow clinicians to feel for changes in the prostate
These tools help determine whether a biopsy is appropriate, reducing the number of procedures performed. Limiting procedures when they’re unlikely to help can spare patients from unnecessary discomfort, stress, potential side effects and time away from daily life.
When should men start screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends talking with your health care provider about screening at the following ages:
- Age 50: Men at average risk with a life expectancy of 10 years or more.
- Age 45: Men at higher risk, including Black men and those whose father or brother was diagnosed before age 65.
- Age 40: Men at even higher risk, such as those with a close family history of prostate cancer.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” Fong says. “Screening decisions should reflect a man’s risk factors, health status and personal values.”
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
Age remains the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. Other risks—such as race and family history—can’t be changed:
- Race – Black men’s chances of developing prostate cancer are double that of white American men.
- Genes – If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you are at greater risk..
That said, lifestyle choices still matter. Research increasingly points to benefits from:
- A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats.
- Regular physical activity, including moderate- to high-intensity exercise.
Dr. Fong encourages men to engage in regular exercise, such as 35 minutes of high-intensity activity each day. While exercise alone cannot completely prevent prostate cancer, it does promote overall health and can be beneficial for men who already have the disease.
“Men with prostate cancer often feel powerless,” he explains. “Staying active gives them a sense of control.”
Dr. Fong emphasizes that exercise and good nutrition won’t eliminate the risk, but they can improve well-being and help men manage their health, especially during treatment or after a diagnosis.
The bottom line
- Prostate cancer is common—but often highly treatable when caught early.
- PSA testing is a useful first step, not a final answer.
- The most important step is having an informed conversation with a trusted physician.
To learn more about prostate cancer screening or to discuss your individual risk, schedule a visit with your primary care physician or a Providence Swedish urology specialist.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today to learn more.
Contributing caregiver
Brian C. Fong, M.D., is the division chief of urology and director for men’s health at Providence Medical Group - Everett Urolog in Everett, Wash.
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.