Definition – What is prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer screening includes an annual examination of the prostate and external genitals and is used for the early detection of prostate cancer. This screening examination is paid by the health insurance company from the age of 45. The screening includes a consultation to determine symptoms and risk factors as well as a physical examination.
This is a “digital-rectal examination”. The doctor palpates the prostate, which is located spatially in front of the rectum, through the intestinal wall and looks for hardened parts and protrusions of the organ. In addition to the palpation, an ultrasound examination can also be performed or the “PSA level” in the blood can be checked. If necessary, this blood value provides information about an enlargement of the organ or infections in this area.
When should I start going for prostate cancer screening?
The health insurance companies usually pay for the prostate preventive examination from the age of 45. Men should take advantage of this offer from this age, as the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Of course, there is no question that the urologist should also be consulted earlier if symptoms occur before the age of 45 and/or the patient is concerned about this. This topic might also be of interest to you: Symptoms of prostate cancer
What is the procedure for prostate cancer screening?
The procedure for prostate cancer screening is as follows: In an introductory conversation, the physical state of health should be questioned and, if necessary, examined. Attention should be paid to possible risk factors, such as the place of residence, affected family members, chronic diseases and the patient’s own lifestyle. By far the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer is age.
In the further discussion also the most important urological complaint pictures, like the urine retention, involuntary urine discharge, Impotenz or also blood in the urine should be addressed by the physician and inquired for this purposefully. These symptoms are not only signs of prostate cancer, but can occur in many diseases in this area. This is followed by an examination of the prostate by means of a “digital-rectal” palpation and, if necessary, an ultrasound examination of the prostate and a PSA value determination in the blood.
The palpation is carried out through the rectal opening at the front of the intestine and is intended to detect hardening, bulges or enlargements of the prostate. An ultrasound image of the organ can also be taken at the same location to make these changes visible. The PSA level is one way of detecting enlargements and infections of the prostate, but has recently been critically acclaimed as a good early cancer marker. Nevertheless, the PSA level is still often part of the preventive medical checkup.
