Learn More: Prostate Screening
The Nature of Tests
An inherent risk of screening for prostate cancer is the possibility of being told incorrectly that you have cancer based on a suspicious test result. Digital rectal exams (DREs) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are far from perfect. They can lead to suspicious results for reasons other than cancer. Many healthy men need to have biopsies done to make sure that they do not have cancer. This can cause anxiety, in addition to the time, discomfort, and possible side effects. You must be willing to accept this possibility.
Should you get a PSA test? Take the Prostate Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment for personalized advice.
