Prostate Cancer Prevention and Screening

Although prostate cancers cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk by limiting the alcohol you drink, maintaining a healthy weight and diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and dairy and exercising. If you are at high risk for prostate cancer, including if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer, your doctor may discuss the risks and benefits of taking medication to lower your prostate cancer risk.

Screening may detect pre-cancerous or early cancerous changes in the prostate in hopes of diagnosing the cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Beginning at age 50, men should discuss their risk level and pros and cons of screening and testing with their doctor. High-risk patients may be recommended to begin screening at the age of 40.

Prostate cancer screenings include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a test that measures the blood level of a certain protein that is produced by the prostate gland. PSA levels may be elevated in men with prostate cancer, but elevated PSA levels do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. How often men may need to be tested over time will depend on their PSA level.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE), a test where your healthcare provider puts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel if the prostate gland is enlarged or has any lumps.

Learn how Mass General Brigham is bridging gaps in prostate cancer care screening and treatment with its Prostate Cancer Outreach Clinic .

Read about how catching prostate cancer early could save lives.

Genetic Testing

Genetic counseling may be recommended if there is a family history of prostate cancer, especially if the cancer occurred at a young age (under 50) or was an aggressive form of cancer. Genetic testing looks for potential inherited genetic variants that could have contributed to developing prostate cancer. Genetic counselors work with patients on a detailed family history analysis and will test a sample of blood or saliva to look for certain changes in genes that may increase a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer and possibly other cancers. Knowing your genetic risk can mean catching and treating cancer in its earlier stages.