When Should I Start Getting Checked for Prostate Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. In the United States alone, around 313,780 new cases will be uncovered in 2025. Fortunately, many of these men, with the help of their doctors, overcome the disease to live a healthy life.  

Early detection is the number one key to fighting prostate cancer. Urologist Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS screens patients for prostate and other cancers at his offices in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. 

But with few or no early symptoms, how do you know when it’s time to start getting screened? In this article, we’ll break down when to begin screening and what the process looks like, so you can make an informed decision.

How we screen for prostate cancer

Dr. Khanna performs a digital rectal exam to check your prostate. If he suspects an issue, he employs a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Should the test reveal high levels of PSA, a protein produced by your prostate, the doctor may request an ultrasound or biopsy to further investigate abnormal cells.

Why early detection remains crucial

As a man ages, his prostate tends to grow. An integral part of the reproductive system, it changes from the size of a walnut during his 20s to the size of a lemon around age 60. Since prostate problems, such as cancer, also increase with age, it’s generally easier to halt its spread early on. 

How the PSA test helps

A family history of prostate cancer, as well as other cancers, such as colon, pancreatic, breast, and ovarian, may indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer. Since symptoms, such as urinary blockage or blood, usually occur during the later stages of the disease, Dr. Khanna advises his patients to test their prostate health before any problems arise.

A PSA test diagnoses a variety of conditions, besides prostate cancer, including:

• Benign prostate issues
• Urinary tract infections
• Prostate injuries

If the test indicates high PSA levels, Dr. Khanna requests further testing.

Who’s most at risk 

While we don’t understand exactly why prostate cancer occurs, we do know it affects more men with a family history. Other risk factors include obesity and smoking. Race and ethnicity also appear to play a part. Black men in the United States, for example, possess a higher risk of prostate cancer. All men, however, remain susceptible.

When to begin testing

Dr. Khanna generally follows the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for testing. Unless prostate issues present themselves, he tests those at higher risk levels during their 40s, and others around age 50. You and the doctor weigh all the factors to decide upon the optimal screening time.

After the initial test, Dr. Khanna recommends those without prostate cancer be tested yearly or bi-annually depending upon their PSA levels.

How to treat prostate cancer

When caught early, the prognosis remains excellent for most people when the cancer is confined to the prostate. Once it spreads beyond that area, however, the outcome is less positive. Early detection and treatment remain critical.

Dr. Khanna offers a variety of treatments, including:

• Robotic surgery to remove tumors
• Prostate surgery to remove the entire prostate
• Precision treatments targeting cancerous cells

The doctor may also refer patients for radiation treatments or chemotherapy. Hormone therapy also helps reduce the size of the tumor, although it doesn’t completely eradicate the cancer.

Because some cancers take decades to create any serious health issues. Dr. Khanna may opt to closely monitor patients with lower levels of cancer through active surveillance, rather than immediate treatment. The doctor utilizes follow-up imaging, blood tests, and biopsies, as needed, to ascertain any changes. It’s up to you and Dr. Khanna to decide which course is best.

Dr. Khanna treats cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, and more. If you’re concerned about unwanted urological symptoms or would like to consult the doctor regarding testing, or other issues, contact the office of Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS at 347-274-8370, or book an appointment online today.