Prostate Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, affecting one in seven men. Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, it is very treatable and may not cause serious harm if found while still isolated in the prostate gland.

When caught early, prostate cancer is highly curable, which is why regular testing for prostate cancer is essential to maintaining men’s health.

When Matteson resident Andrin Jones started as a new patient with Lance Wallace, MD, a Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC, ABM-certified internal medicine physician, the doctor ordered a comprehensive panel of screening labs, including a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

What Is a Prostate Specific Antigen Test?

A prostate cancer screening typically consists of digital rectal exam, which physically checks the prostate for abnormal areas, or a PSA, or prostate specific antigen, blood test. The PSA test examines the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood.

In general, results below 4.0 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) are seen as normal.  An elevated prostate-specific antigen level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer and may prompt additional testing or a biopsy to confirm whether cancer is present.

That PSA test revealed that the retired U.S. Air Force veteran had an elevated level of a protein made by the prostate.

Mr. Jones’ personal history of elevated PSA levels prompted Dr. Wallace to refer him to James Siegert, DO, a Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC urologist and urological surgeon.

“There’s no specific normal PSA level,” Dr. Siegert said. “It’s about trends. The higher the number, the greater the risk of cancer, and that risk also depends on the patient’s age.”

Dr. Siegert’s follow-up testing three months later revealed stage two adenocarcinoma, a type of prostate cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was caught early and was still contained within the prostate.

After meeting with both physicians and discussing various treatment options, Mr. Jones opted to have his prostate surgically removed. That procedure was successfully performed in October 2023. He has now been cancer free for more than one year, and he remains in good health.

“Most organizations recommend that men begin prostate cancer screening around age 50 or 55 unless they fall into a higher-risk category,” said Dr. Siegert, who is board certified in urologic surgery.

What Puts Men At Risk for Prostate Cancer?

Although it's unclear what causes prostate cancer, the greatest risk for disease is older age. More than 75% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65 years of age. Additional risk factors for prostate cancer include a family history of the disease, a fatty diet (meat and dairy) and a sedentary lifestyle. Black men develop and die from prostate cancer twice as often as Caucasian men, for unknown reasons.

“Most organizations recommend that men begin prostate cancer screening around age 50 or 55 unless they fall into a higher-risk category,” said Dr. Siegert, who is board certified in urologic surgery.

According to Dr. Siegert, those higher-risk groups include African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, particularly those with a first-degree relative, such as a father or brother with a history of prostate cancer. Those men are urged to begin testing much sooner at the direction of their doctors.

Dr. Wallace further explained that, while it is commonly a slow growing cancer, prostate cancer can also be very aggressive in some men and lead to death. He generally screens all male patients beginning at age 40 for prostate cancer.

“Like anything, the earlier you catch it, the less treatment will be involved in treating the cancer, and the chance for success is greater,” said Dr. Wallace, who has been delivering care to Southland residents for nearly 30 years.

Does Prostate Cancer Have Symptoms?

Prostate cancer screening is important because symptoms usually aren't noticed until long after the cancer's development.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Trouble urinating
• Painful and burning urination
• Weakened urine stream
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain
• General body stiffness

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the patient, accounting for his age, overall health and whether the cancer has spread. If the cancer is in an early stage, then treatment may not be necessary right away. Some treatment options for prostate cancer include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, chemotherapy and surgical removal of the prostate gland.

Dr. Wallace further explained that, while it is commonly a slow growing cancer, prostate cancer can also be very aggressive in some men and lead to death. He generally screens all male patients beginning at age 40 for prostate cancer.

“Like anything, the earlier you catch it, the less treatment will be involved in treating the cancer, and the chance for success is greater,” said Dr. Wallace, who has been delivering care to Southland residents for nearly 30 years.

“Treatment options will vary depending on the patient and the cancer’s progression,” Dr. Siegert said. “They can include active surveillance, surgery to remove the prostate, or radiation therapy.”

Mr. Jones credits his faith, family and the expertise and collaborative approach of his medical team for his positive outcome.

“After my surgery, I told myself, ‘This time last year I had cancer. Today, I don’t.’ That perspective kept me in a strong mental place throughout my recovery,” Mr. Jones said.

Grateful for the care he received from Drs. Wallace and Siegert, he has made it his mission to educate other men about the importance of prostate cancer screening.

“The knowledge I’ve gained is something I now share with other men,” Mr. Jones said, “and they’re thankful for it.”