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Prostate Cancer Screening

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. It affects one in eight men in the U.S. each year. In its early stages, prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms.


Who Should Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

Sanford Health recommends talking to your primary care provider about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening if you are:

  • Ages 50 or older
  • Ages 40 to 49 and have one or more risk factors

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Prostate Cancer Screening Types

There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screening. Your primary care provider can help you learn about your risk of prostate cancer and if screening is right for you. Screening options include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Your provider may use your PSA blood test results or DRE to recommend further testing. This may include a biopsy, MRI or transrectal ultrasound.

PSA blood test

A blood test can measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA levels can increase with cancer or other conditions, such as infection or growth of the prostate gland due to aging. Elevated PSA levels do not always mean there is cancer. After a diagnosis of prostate cancer, PSA levels may be used to monitor your condition or response to treatment. 

Digital rectal exam

During this exam, a provider will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to check the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or abnormal areas.

How to Schedule a Prostate Cancer Screening

Talk with your primary care provider about whether screening is right for you based on the benefits and your risk for having prostate cancer. Tell your doctor about all medicines, herbs, vitamins and supplements you are taking as they may impact your health. If screening is recommended, your provider will discuss your options and can order a PSA blood test or perform a DRE.

To schedule a wellness visit with your provider, call your local clinic or make an appointment through My Sanford Chart.

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Prostate Cancer FAQs

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. It’s located in the pelvis next to the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

Download our guide to prostate cancer

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

People may not experience symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages. As the cancer advances, it may cause:


  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Weak or interrupted flow of urine
  • Trouble urinating, including starting the flow or emptying the bladder completely
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Discomfort in the pelvis, hips or back that does not go away
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and a fast heart rate. If you start to experience these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider right away.

Are you at increased risk for prostate cancer?

Discussions with your provider about your risk may start at age 40 based on your personal risk factors.

Risk factors include:

  • Age. After age 50 the risk of prostate cancer increases. Six in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than age 65.
  • Genetic syndromes and mutations. You have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer if you carry or are likely to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations or have Lynch syndrome. Your provider may recommend genetic testing if you have a family history of these gene mutations.
  • Race. Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer. They are more likely to get prostate cancer at a younger age, have advanced cancer before it is diagnosed and are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than other men.
  • Family history. If your father, brother or son has had prostate cancer, you have a higher risk.
  • Past diagnosis. If you were previously diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 55 or younger, your risk is increased.