Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
- Oncologist
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Step 1
Contact your national cancer society. They will gladly provide a great deal of information on screening for prostate cancer, the condition itself and treatments that are available to fight it.
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Step 2
Know that smokers, men over the age of 60 and men who drink large quantities of alcohol are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Get screened if you fall into any of these categories.
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Step 3
Learn all you can about prostate cancer. Plenty of online resources are available with information on the disease. If you are exhibiting symptoms or have significant risk factors, you will want to pursue screening for prostate cancer.
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Step 4
Know that the 2 most common screening methods are a digital-rectal examination (DRE) and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.
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Step 5
Understand how a doctor or nurse performs a DRE. The medical professional will need to make a physical examination of your prostate gland to determine if there are any suspicious growths present which may need to be biopsied.
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Step 6
Be aware of what's happening during a PSA test. In this test, you will be screened for blood levels of an antigen produced by your prostate gland. Higher levels of this antigen can be suggestive of problems originating with the prostate gland.
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Step 7
Have an MRI (magnetic resonance image) or CT (computed topography) X-ray scan performed as a follow-up measure in the event that the doctor found cause to perform further tests when you had a DRE or PSA test.
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Step 8
Live a healthier lifestyle if your screening came back negative. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are thought to contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
