Most prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them.
If you decide not to get screened, you can always change your mind later. If you decide to get screened, it does not mean you have to go to the next step. You should discuss each step with your doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I at a greater risk for prostate cancer?
- At what age should I start to think about screening for prostate cancer?
- If I get my blood test, and it is not normal, what other things could I have besides prostate cancer?
- What is a biopsy, and how is it done?
- What are the side effects or risks of a biopsy?
- If my biopsy shows some cancer cells, what does that mean?
- Ask about all treatment options: close monitoring and follow-up visits, radiation, or surgery to remove the prostate.
- What are the side effects or risks of each treatment?