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When to seek medical advice
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have difficulties with urination, see your doctor. This condition doesn't always relate to prostate cancer, but it can be a sign of prostate-related problems.
Beginning at age 50, the American Cancer Society recommends having yearly screening tests for prostate cancer. If you're black or have a family history of the disease, you may want to begin at a younger age. Yearly screenings can help detect prostate cancer early, when it's easier to treat. They include:
- PSA test. This blood test checks levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which can be a sign of prostate cancer. While this test can detect signs of cancer, elevated PSA levels are sometimes caused by conditions other than cancer, such as prostate enlargement, infection or inflammation.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). This test involves insertion of a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for bumps on the prostate. While it can be slightly uncomfortable, an annual DRE is a quick, simple exam that can be a lifesaver.
- Wilson WG et al. Abeloff: Clinical Oncology, 3rd ed. Prostate Cancer. Ch 87
- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008, 10th ed. Prostate Cancer.
- Small EJ. Prostate cancer (2007) Goldman: Cecil Medicine, 23rd ed. Chapter 211.
- National Cancer Institute. PC-SPES, Patient version (9/21/07). Accessed online, 1/20/08: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/pc-spes
- Gaziano JM, et al. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate and total cancer in men: The physicians' health study II randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/2008.862v1. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Lippman SM, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancer: The selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). Journal of the American Medical Association. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/2008.864v1. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 2, 2009.
