Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Reminds Us of Why PSA Screenings are Important

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is urging men as young as 40 to schedule a prostate screening. Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among American men, so it's important to be aware of the risks and symptoms. Early detection can save lives!

USMD Hospital at Arlington offers a range of men's healthcare services that include cancer screenings and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. Physicians who operate at our Arlington, TX hospital also perform robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer patients. Learn about these offerings and more by clicking on our comprehensive physician directory. Our compassionate surgical team is here to help every step of the way.

Who should get a prostate cancer screening?

Men are recommended for regular prostate screenings at age 55, but some men need to be screened earlier, depending on their individual risk factors. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, talk to your doctor about starting screenings between the ages of 40 and 54. They can review your risk factors and make a recommendation based on your unique situation.

What happens during a prostate cancer screening?

Prostate cancer screenings generally involve a digital rectal exam and a PSA screening. The rectal exam allows your doctor to check for any abnormalities in the size or shape of the prostate. Your physician will also ask about your medical and family history. Let your medical team know if you have concerns or questions about prostate cancer so they can be addressed.

A PSA screening is a special blood test that measures the amount of a particular protein in your blood. While elevated PSA levels can be indicative of cancer, they can also be caused by other factors such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation. Physicians take all of these things into consideration when interpreting PSA test results.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in the early stages. That's why consistent screenings with a DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) physician are so essential. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage men and their families to learn about prostate cancer symptoms that impact a man's health and quality of life. Some include:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in urine or semen
• Discomfort in the pelvis, hips, or thighs
• Persistent pain in the lower back or upper thighs

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away so they can rule out other potential causes and begin treatment if necessary.

How do you treat prostate cancer?

USMD Hospital at Arlington offers a range of treatment options for prostate cancer, depending on the stage of the disease. Robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive way to address early-stage cancer. Benefits of using this technology include less blood loss, reduced risk of infection, and shorter hospital stays. Our surgical staff is uniquely qualified to provide this level of care in the North Texas area.

Schedule a PSA screening today

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is treatable. With early detection, many men go on to live long and healthy lives. To schedule a PSA screening during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month or to learn about advanced treatment options like robot-assisted surgery at our Arlington, TX hospital, please visit our physician directory. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we understand the many needs of our male patients and are here to provide the compassionate care you deserve.