Prostate Cancer prevention: Ways to reduce your risk
We know that there is no sure way to prevent breast and prostate cancer, but it is our hope that through education, men and women can take measures to catch it early, when it’s easiest to treat.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of prostate cancer are variable; some men have no symptoms until cancer develops over years. However, symptoms that can develop include the following:
Digital Rectal Exam and PSA Test
Two tests are particularly helpful in screening for prostate cancer.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
A DRE is done to determine if the prostate is enlarged and is either soft, has bumps or is very firm (hard prostate). During a digital rectal exam, a doctor checks for prostate abnormalities using a gloved, lubricated finger (digit).
PSA Test
Another test is done on a blood sample to determine the level of a protein (prostate-specific antigen or PSA) produced by prostate cells. The PSA test may indicate a person has a higher chance of having prostate cancer but controversies about the test exist (see following slide). The patient and his doctor need to carefully consider the meaning and the use of these test results.