PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

PSA is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in a person's blood. PSA is a sustance produced by the prostate, which may be found in higher amounts in men who have prostate cancer. Learn more>> FAQs

DRE (digital rectal examination)

In a digital rectal examination (DRE), a physician or nurse places a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland.  Learn more>> FAQs

How often, and at what age, should men get screened for prostate cancer?

The Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's is committed to screening as a method to continually increase prostate cancer survival. We follow the American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening which recommends a baseline (initial) prostate-specific antigen blood test (PSA) along with a digital rectal exam (DRE) beginning at age 40. Following the initial screening, annual screenings should be done to track changes in the PSA level (and the prostate itself) which can be an indication of a problem. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at a younger age or more often. Do not let fear and anxiety keep you from having the tests you need.

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and DRE (digital rectal exam) tests can often detect, or help rule out, prostate cancer. Follow-up visits with your physician are extremely important if you have had an unusual DRE, or if your PSA level is high. Your physician may order additional tests or suggest repeating the PSA test.

Please check our Web site often for information about free community screening events. All screenings for prostate cancer at Saint Joseph's are done by appointment only and are for men between the age of 40 and 75 who have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Learn More>> Upcoming screening events.

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010. Claims regarding treatment are based on years of clinical experience and industry reported data. The PCC follows American Urological Association and  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Last Updated: October 26, 2010 (RSH)