Prostate Cancer Screenings

Gardens Medical Center

Prostate Cancer Screenings

What is prostate cancer ?

Your prostate is a small gland that is approximately the same size and shape as a walnut. It sits in front of your rectum and below your bladder.

Your prostate creates a fluid that protects and nourishes your sperm and is a primary component of semen.

Certain genes tell your cells to grow and divide, while others repair cell damage and control the rate of growth. Prostate cancer is a disease that develops when the cells in your prostate multiply at an accelerated rate.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer ?

The exact causes of prostate cancer remain unknown. However, researchers have been able to identify certain risk factors :

  • You are over the age of 50
  • You are from North America, Australia, northwestern Europe, or the Caribbean islands
  • You have a family history of prostate cancer
  • You are African-American
  • You have certain inherited gene changes
What are the screening options for prostate cancer ?

The most common screening test used to detect prostate cancer is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Dr. Arash Lalezary uses this option to screen for prostate cancer.

Here is what to expect :

Prostate Specific Antigen Test

This lab test requires a small blood sample. If the results show an elevated PSA level, you may need additional screenings to determine the cause. There are non-cancerous conditions that can raise PSA levels, and further testing determines the best course of action.

Making an appointment for prostate screening at Gardens Medical Center is fast, easy, and can be completed online.