Prostate cancer screening and diagnosis
Written in association with:
Urologist
Published: 28/03/2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
At what age do men need to start going for prostate cancer screenings?
The European Urology Association recommends that men should initiate early detection for prostate cancer screenings, at an individual level, beginning from the age of 50 if they do not have a family history of prostate cancer or who are not of African descent.
On the other hand, men who do have a family history of prostate cancer or who are of African descent should begin prostate cancer screening from the age of 45 years.
Men who carry BRCA2 mutations should start their screening at 40 years of age. Both male and female individuals, with these mutations are more prone to suffer from early onset, ovarian or prostate cancer.
What tests are done during the screening?
There are multiple tests which can be performed during a prostate cancer screening. Investigations include a PSA blood test, digital rectal examination and an MRI scan of the prostate.
What are the first signs of prostate cancer?
Commonly prostate cancer does not have any signs or symptoms to identify it early on. Due to this, it is essential to speak to your GP about undergoing a PSA test and prostate exam to determine if you are at risk.
How often should men get screened for prostate cancer?
Establishing a baseline PSA at the right age is important. It has been shown that men with a baseline PSA < 1 ng/mL at 40 years and < 2 ng/mL at 60 years are at a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer or prostate cancer related death several decades later.
The retesting interval can therefore be every 2 years for those initially at risk, or postponed up to 8 years in those not at risk with an initial PSA < 1 ng/mL at 40 years and a PSA < 2 ng/mL at 60 years of age and a negative family history.
If you have an elevated PSA above these thresholds and have significant risk factors then an annual PSA is recommended.
Is it possible to self-check the prostate at home?
Self-checking the prostate is not recommended. If you wish to have your prostate checked, it is necessary to have it examined by a GP or a urologist.