Early Detection Guidelines for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is typically a slow growing disease and often doesn’t cause symptoms until it has reached a more advanced stage and begins to cause larger health problems. For that reason, health professionals urge men over 50 to take early detection seriously and consider screenings for the disease.

While screening is crucial for cancer detection, there are some limits in screening for prostate cancer. Because the two tests most commonly used to detect prostate cancer, the Blood Test (PSA) and the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), are not 100 percent accurate, early testing for prostate cancer can be difficult.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men age 50 with an average risk of prostate cancer should begin the discussion about screening with their doctors. This discussion should start at age 45 for men with high risk and at age 40 for men at even higher risk.

Men are considered high-risk if they have a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65. Ethnicity also plays a role. African-American men are considered to be at higher-risk for developing prostate cancer.

Men should talk to their doctors and be fully informed about the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits before making the decision to undergo prostate cancer screening.

At Reno CyberKnife, prostate cancer is treated in five or fewer outpatient treatment sessions with CyberKnife^® technology. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact us to learn if CyberKnife treatment is right for you.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.