Doctors diagnose prostate cancer in American men more often than any other non-skin cancer. It occurs more often in men 50 and older and is most common in men over 65. In general, men 50 and older should receive annual prostate cancer screenings. However, African-American men and men with close family members who have had prostate cancer are at greatest risk. These men should begin prostate cancer screenings at age 40.

Screening tests can often detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. A complete prostate exam usually includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The Foundation sponsors free screenings for prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer screenings can be performed by several kinds of doctors: urologists, oncologists, or any primary-care physician (family physician, general practice physician, internal medicine doctor or geriatrics physician).

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Digital Rectal Exam

The digital rectal exam (DRE) is an essential part of a thorough prostate exam. When performed correctly, a DRE only lasts about 10 seconds and is completely safe. During the DRE, a physician will ask you to position yourself in one of several ways and then inserts a gloved and lubricated index finger into the rectum. The back wall of the prostate gland can then be felt and the doctor will determine if the prostate contains any lumps, areas of firmness or irregularities that may indicate prostate cancer or a noncancerous prostate condition. 

Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test

In addition to the DRE, men should also have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test as a part of a regular yearly prostate exam. If there is an abnormal DRE, PSA or both, the doctor may make a referral to a urologist for further evaluation. 

Risks of prostate cancer screening

• Screening may not improve your health or help you live longer if you have advanced prostate cancer or if it has already spread to other places in your body.
• Some cancers never cause symptoms or become life-threatening. There may be side effects of prostate cancer treatment that could include complications of major surgery, incontinence and impotence. There are many factors to consider when making treatment decisions.
• False-negative test results can occur.
• Screening test results may appear to be normal even though prostate cancer is present. A man who receives a false-negative test result may delay seeking medical care even if he has symptoms.
• False-positive test results can occur.
• Screening test results may appear to be abnormal even though no cancer is present. A false-positive test result can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests.
• It is important to remember that timely detection of prostate cancer can decrease the side effects of treatment and even save your life.

Mobile Screenings in Your Community

Many Arkansans have heard about the risk of prostate cancer and had their first prostate exams, thanks to the mobile screening and education program launched in April 2001.

Community-based organizations and individuals help us spread awareness about prostate cancer through medical screening and proper education. If you want to organize a free prostate cancer education and screening event in your area, please contact us today.

We rely on volunteers from local communities to encourage timely detection and promote awareness. We know that screening saves lives, and we hope you will consider being an instrumental part of this effort. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to volunteer for an education and screening event in your area, please submit a volunteer application (PDF).