How to Know About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can be detected through symptoms like urinary issues, PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Best Urologist Doctor
Updated: 09 May, 2025
Prostate

How to know about prostate cancer is a question many men are asking, and it’s crucial to understand how this disease can affect your health. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and its early detection can make all the difference in the effectiveness of treatments. If you’re wondering how to know prostate cancer, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know from symptoms and risk factors to diagnostic tests that can help confirm whether you have the disease.

How to Know about Prostate Cancer

Once symptoms are identified, the next step is to undergo tests that can confirm whether prostate cancer is present. Here are the most common diagnostic tests used to detect prostate cancer and how to know about prostate cancer through these methods:

PSA Blood Test

The PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can be a sign of prostate cancer.
However, high PSA levels can also indicate other non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. It is crucial to combine the PSA test with other tests for a more accurate diagnosis.
The PSA test is an essential first step in understanding how to know about prostate cancer and whether further testing is needed.

Prostate Biopsy

If your PSA levels are high, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy. A biopsy involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate to check for the presence of cancer cells.
This procedure is typically done with the help of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to guide the needle precisely to the area of concern.
A biopsy is one of the most definitive ways to know about prostate cancer and determine whether cancer cells are present in the prostate.

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)

A TRUS is used during a biopsy to get a better look at the prostate. It involves inserting a small ultrasound probe into the rectum to create images of the prostate.
These images help doctors identify abnormal areas that may need a biopsy. TRUS can also be used to guide the biopsy needle to ensure it targets the correct area.
While TRUS is not used alone to diagnose prostate cancer, it plays a vital role in how to know about prostate cancer when combined with other diagnostic tests.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues. It is particularly useful for determining the size and location of a tumor and checking whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
This non-invasive procedure can help doctors plan the best course of treatment if prostate cancer is detected.
For men with suspected prostate cancer, an MRI can give a clearer picture of the disease and help answer how to know if prostate cancer is present.

Lymph Node Biopsy

A lymph node biopsy may be recommended if there is concern that prostate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This biopsy helps doctors determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the prostate.
Removing tissue from nearby lymph nodes can confirm if the cancer has spread, providing important information about the stage of the disease.

CT Scan

A CT scan creates detailed images of the body and can help doctors look for signs that prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.
CT scans are commonly used in advanced prostate cancer cases to understand the cancer’s spread and guide treatment decisions.
Although a CT scan can provide important insights, it is not the primary tool for how to know about prostate cancer and is often used after other tests have been performed.

Bone Scan

Prostate cancer can spread to the bones, and a bone scan is used to detect this. During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream to highlight areas of abnormal bone growth.
Bone scans are typically used when prostate cancer is suspected to have spread to the bones, helping doctors assess the extent of the cancer.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can help identify cancer cells throughout the body by detecting areas where the body absorbs glucose differently. PET scans are often used to assess the spread of cancer and help doctors plan treatment.
While not typically used for initial prostate cancer diagnosis, PET scans can be valuable in staging the disease and determining the most effective treatment options.

Am I at Risk?

Understanding your risk is the first step in learning how to know about prostate cancer. While anyone with a prostate can develop this disease, several factors may increase your chances.

Key risk factors include:

Age: Men over 50 are at a higher risk.
Family History: If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk increases significantly.
Ethnicity: African-American men are more likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Diet & Lifestyle: High-fat diets and sedentary lifestyles can increase your risk.
Obesity: Obese individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

In your journey to understand what to know about prostate cancer, it’s crucial to assess your personal risk. Prostate cancer often develops slowly, and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. If you’re over 40 and have any of the risk factors mentioned above, consider speaking to a doctor about regular screenings.

Knowing the risks helps you take timely action. Don’t wait for symptoms—proactive health checks are vital. If you’re wondering how to check prostate cancer yourself, keep in mind that while self-checks aren’t definitive, knowing the risk helps guide timely professional consultation.

Can I Look for Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Yes, but early-stage prostate cancer often shows no obvious signs, which is why regular check-ups are important. If symptoms do appear, they may indicate a more advanced stage. Here’s how to know if prostate cancer might be present based on warning signs:

Common symptoms include

Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or burning during urination
Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis

It’s important to note that these symptoms may also be related to benign conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate (BPH). However, if you notice any of these, you shouldn’t ignore them.

Recognizing symptoms is an essential part of how to know about prostate cancer, but don’t rely solely on symptoms to guide your actions. You’ll need medical tests to confirm whether the prostate changes are cancerous.

Stay vigilant and share any concerns with a healthcare professional. Knowing what to know about prostate cancer includes understanding the subtle signs and responding to them promptly. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to early detection and timely treatment.

How Can I Get My Prostate Checked?

When exploring how to know about prostate cancer, one of the most important steps is getting a professional screening. Here’s how to check prostate cancer yourself—or more accurately, how to get checked through medical evaluations.

Diagnostic methods include

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor feels for abnormalities in the prostate.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures PSA levels, which can be elevated in cancer.
MRI or Ultrasound Imaging: If PSA or DRE suggests a problem, imaging tests help in further evaluation.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis to confirm cancer.

It’s not possible to perform a reliable self-check for prostate cancer, which makes regular medical exams essential. If you’re wondering how to check prostate cancer yourself, focus on recognizing symptoms and being proactive with your doctor visits.

Get screened regularly if you’re over 50—or earlier if you’re high-risk. Prevention and early detection are crucial. By understanding how to know if prostate cancer is present, you take a major step toward safeguarding your health.

Conclusion

How to know about prostate cancer is a question that many men should take seriously. Regular check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and diagnostic tests like the PSA test, prostate biopsy, and MRI are essential for early detection. If you notice any changes in your urinary habits or experience discomfort in the pelvic area, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and regular screenings are crucial for men over the age of 50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1 prostate cancer means the cancer is still confined to the prostate gland and is typically undetectable by physical examination. It is often found through a PSA test, and patients may not experience symptoms. Treatment options can include active surveillance, surgery, or other localized treatments, depending on the specifics of each case.

The 5 early signs of prostate cancer include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, pain during urination, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. These symptoms could indicate prostate issues, requiring further testing to rule out cancer or other conditions. If you notice any of these, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

While there is no self-test for prostate cancer, being aware of symptoms such as changes in urination patterns or pelvic discomfort is important. Men should have regular PSA screenings after age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection is key, so routine check-ups with a doctor are essential.

Prostate cancer can often be cured if detected early. Many men live for many years after treatment, especially when the cancer is localized. However, in more advanced stages, ongoing treatment or management may be needed to keep the cancer under control. Timely diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of long-term survival.