Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, especially those over the age of 50. While some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they may never cause symptoms or affect lifespan, others are aggressive, grow rapidly, and can spread beyond the prostate, leading to serious health consequences or even death if not caught in time.

The key to improving survival and maintaining quality of life is early detection. When prostate cancer is found early and before it causes symptoms or spreads, it is often treatable, with a wider range of options and a higher likelihood of success.

Screening is the process of checking for prostate cancer in men who do not yet have symptoms. It often begins with a PSA blood test, which measures a protein made by the prostate. Other tests used to evaluate prostate health are also explained in this app.

When used thoughtfully, these tests help urologists detect cancer before it becomes advanced. Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening can make a difference. It allows you and your care team to monitor, intervene early, and make informed decisions, sometimes even avoiding treatment altogether through safe approaches like active surveillance.

However, screening is not a one-size-fits-all process. The decision to begin screening and how often to screen should be based on individual risk factors.

It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks of screening based on your unique profile. Informed, personalized screening can help detect dangerous cancers early while minimizing unnecessary tests and treatment for harmless ones