Prostate Cancer Screening

African-American men have the highest incidence rate for prostate cancer and are 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. These and other statistics have prompted adjustments in the screening protocol for prostate cancer.

DRE - The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a physical exam of the prostate. During the procedure a healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to conduct a physical examination of the prostate. 

PSA - The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) measures the amount of PSA in the body.  An elevated level can be an early indicator of problems in the prostate. 

Both the PSA and DRE are screening procedures that may require further diagnostic exams.

ACS Screening Guidelines:

• Men 50 and older receive a digital rectal exam (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test on an annual basis.
  
  
• African American men are encouraged to integrate the DRE and PSA as part of their annual physical exam at age 40.
  
  
• The American Urological Association encourages physicians to routinely offer prostate cancer testing to men who have an anticipated lifespan of 10 or more years, including African-American men 40 and older.  
  
  

Downloads:

How Do I Know It's Cancer (.pdf)