During the pandemic, many patients delayed their annual examinations. This number was especially high in our male population. Unfortunately, this delay in screenings has resulted in more advanced prostate cancer diagnoses. "We're concerned because we're seeing fewer patients come in for their annual screenings," says Daniel Lee, MD, MS, a urologist at Penn Medicine. "So when we discover prostate cancers, they're more advanced than they were or could have been. The more advanced these cancers are when they are diagnosed, the more difficult they are to treat and have a successful outcome."
It's very important for men to pay attention to prostate cancer screenings if they are at high risk due to background and/or family history. Men who are age 40 with a first degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age are at a higher risk. Men who are age 45 who have African American heritage or a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk for prostate cancer as well. And after age 55, all men are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.
When Should I Get My Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening?
If You're 55 and Older: Request a PSA Test
Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissue of the prostate. There is a simple blood test that your physician can order for you, to determine whether you should be referred to a prostate cancer specialist: the PSA blood test. PSA is a protein produced by normal — as well as cancerous — cells of the prostate gland.
The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man's blood. The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer. Depending on your age, family history, and race, and if you have a PSA level ranging from 4 to 4.5 and up, you can be referred to a urologist for a follow-up.
If You're 40 Years Old, Are of African Heritage, and/or Have a Family History: Request a PSA Screening
Two groups of men are at higher risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer and should be tested beginning at age 40: all men with a family history of prostate cancer and all Black men.
"We know that for Black men, prostate cancer is much more aggressive, and we know the outcomes are worse," explains Dr. Lee. "That's why we recommend earlier screenings for Black men, regardless of family history."
If you have questions about whether you have an increased cancer risk, your doctor can help you determine whether you should be screened early.
To learn more about prostate cancer screening and treatment, visit Prostate Cancer – Abramson Cancer Center.
"We have the ability to identify those most at risk for prostate cancer and advocate for screening and education for all men and at-risk communities in order to prevent more advanced cancer outcomes," says Dr. Lee. "Screenings can save lives. Especially for those men who are at an increased risk."