Written by Women are quite aware of their risk for breast cancer, and most begin having yearly mammograms around age 40. While breast cancer isn’t common among men, males are 35 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to develop breast cancer. Are men 35 percent more diligent about screening? They should be, because with early detection men have a nearly 100 percent long term cure rate.
Prostate cancer doesn’t always have symptoms, especially in the early stages. Symptoms that may be present include erectile dysfunction, lower back, hip or upper thigh pain, and pain or burning during urination or irregular urination patterns. When symptoms aren’t present, prostate cancer is detected by special screening tests. The prostate-specific antigen or PSA test is a blood test. The digital rectal exam or DRE is also used for prostate cancer screening.
When should men begin screening tests? Men with high risk factors should be tested around age 40, and those at medium risk should be tested starting at age 45. In the absence of risk factors, men should begin annual screening with both tests at age 50. Your doctor can explain what if any prostate cancer risk factors you may need to consider.
