Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men. While receiving a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, advances in early detection, diagnostic testing, and treatment have made prostate cancer highly manageable for many patients – especially when it is discovered before it has spread.
How Is Prostate Cancer Detected?
The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA produced by the prostate. An elevated or increasing PSA level may signal the need for further evaluation, but it does not confirm cancer. PSA levels can also be affected by benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, certain medical procedures, and other factors.
A healthcare provider may also perform a digital rectal examination to evaluate the prostate for changes in size, shape, or texture. If a PSA result or examination is concerning, additional evaluation may include repeat PSA testing, specialized blood or urine tests, prostate imaging—often with MRI—and, when appropriate, a biopsy. A biopsy is generally required to confirm whether cancer cells are present.
There is no single PSA level that definitively determines whether a man has prostate cancer. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider in the context of the patient’s age, personal risk factors, family history, previous PSA results, medications, and overall health.
When Should the Conversation Begin?
Screening is a personal decision that should be made after discussing its potential benefits and limitations with a healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning this conversation at age 50 for men at average risk. African American men and those with a father or brother diagnosed before age 65 should begin the discussion at age 45. Some men with multiple close relatives affected at an early age may need to discuss screening even sooner.
Advanced Radiation Therapy Close to Home
When prostate cancer requires treatment, radiation therapy may be an effective option. It uses carefully targeted, high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissue. Depending on the individual diagnosis, radiation may be used as the primary treatment, following surgery, or in combination with hormone therapy.
At Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI), each treatment plan is developed specifically for the patient based on the cancer’s stage, grade, PSA level, overall health, and personal treatment goals. Advanced treatment planning and image-guided technology allow the radiation oncology team to precisely target the prostate while protecting surrounding organs, including the bladder and rectum.
With locations in Ocala, Timber Ridge, The Villages, and Lecanto, RBOI provides experienced, compassionate radiation oncology services throughout Central Florida. Patients receive advanced care close to home while remaining connected to the families and communities that support them.
Know your risk. Know your PSA. Start the conversation.
Early detection begins with awareness. Speak with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for you.
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