Preventative care is one of the cheapest and most important forms of medicine. The types of preventive care that people need change with age. As men get older, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases. Fortunately, prostate cancer testing can detect the presence of cancer and prevent unnecessary deaths by enabling doctors to begin treating prostate cancer as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can follow if you think you should get screened for prostate cancer but don't know where to begin the process.

1. Start Your Screening With a PSA Test

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, and it's a protein that can be detected in the blood. High levels of PSA indicate that the prostate is making more of this substance than usual, which could point to the presence of prostate cancer. There are many benefits to PSA testing, including the fact that it's non-invasive. Men who do not feel comfortable submitting to a digital rectal exam may prefer to have a PSA blood test. PSA blood tests are fast and easy and can be performed alongside other blood tests conducted for general health screenings.

2. Listen to Your Doctor About the Need for Further Testing

A PSA test cannot definitively prove whether or not you have cancer. However, if you have high levels of PSA in your blood, your doctor will recommend that you undergo additional tests. These tests may include a digital rectal exam to feel for abnormalities in the area and a biopsy to test for the presence of cancerous cells. Your doctor will make their recommendation based on your health, age, and family history of prostate and colorectal cancers.

3. Continue to Get Tested Regularly

If your PSA test is within normal range and you do not require further testing, it's important to continue to get screened for prostate cancer on a regular basis. Your doctor can let you know if you should have additional PSA tests annually or every two years based on your most recent test results. You can also return to your doctor for screening before your next scheduled test if you develop symptoms that concern you.

4. Stay Informed About the Current Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Fear is a common factor that keeps people from getting the medical tests they need. Staying informed about the treatments available for prostate cancer can help to allay your fears and give you peace of mind. Many men with prostate cancer achieve remission with treatment. Sometimes a biopsy is all that's needed to achieve clear margins when prostate cancer is diagnosed early. Your doctor can tell you more about the ways prostate cancer is currently treated.

Reach out to a prostate cancer testing service near you to learn more.