Prostate Cancer Forum - Why are annual prostate exams required for men 50 +?

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Millions of men experience prostate problems every year. But what defines prostate enlargement and how does the prostate grow as it enlarges?...

Q: Why are annual prostate exams required for men 50 +?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 30th, 2007

I turned 50 last year and was scheduled for my first prostrate exam during my annual physical in January of this year, however, the exam ended up being a little bit different than how I expected it to be. My doctor told me that he wasn't able to complete the exam because his finger wasn't able to reach far enough to exam my prostrate. Well, I was a bit confused by what my doctor had told me because I have never heard of that happening before. Also, my doctor told me that the blood test that I was going to take will reveal whether or not there's any indication of cancer in my body. Okay, I was a bit confused again. I'm thinking that if a blood test serves the purpose of revealing whether or not a man has prostrate cancer, then what's the whole point in men having to get prostrate exams when they turn 50 and what's the whole point in the medical community stressing the importance of a yearly prostrate exam?

Replies(1)

DoctorAnswer Doctor Answer

replied on June 6th, 2007

Prostate Cancer Answer A2832

The causes of prostate cancer remain unknown. Age is the main risk factor for the development of prostate cancer; this disease is rare among men younger than 45 years. Therefore, doctors estimate that the chances of getting prostate cancer grow as a man gets older. That's why screening can help identify and treat eventual cancer early. Prostate screening includes a digital rectal exam and blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, these two methods can only detect possible problems in the prostate as a whole. They don't indicate whether the problem is cancer or some other, less serious condition. The results from prostate screening help the doctor decide if there's need for further examinations.

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