Prostate Cancer

Your risk of developing prostate cancer may be increased if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Age – more common in men older than 50
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Race – African-American men have a higher incidence rate
• Being overweight

If you have a higher risk, it does not mean you will get prostate cancer, however.

The two tests commonly used to screen for prostate cancer include:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – performed during physical examinations for men older than 50. Your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of your rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or other abnormalities
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – a blood test that measures levels of PSA, an enzyme prostate cells produce. Having higher levels of this enzyme may be a sign of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer symptoms include:

• Inability to pass urine
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Needing to urinate often, especially at night
• Weak urine flow
• Urine flow that starts and stops
• Pain or burning during urination
• Difficulty having an erection
• Blood in urine or semen
• Lower back, hip or upper thigh pain
• Erectile dysfunction

Consult with your doctor if you notice one or more of these symptoms.

If prostate cancer is suspected, your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to further study your condition:

• Transrectal ultrasound – an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to check for prostate abnormalities
• Transrectal ultrasound with MRI – a 3-D image that more precisely identifies prostate tumors and pinpoints biopsy sites. The increased accuracy of this procedure means as many as one-third of patients may opt for surveillance and avoid surgery
• Transrectal biopsy – a needle inserted through the ultrasound probe into the prostate removes tissue samples from several different areas of the gland, which are examined for cancer cells

Houston Methodist’s experts work as a team to offer the most advanced prostate cancer treatment options, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Our goal is to provide effective treatments, while preserving healthy tissue and cells.

Learn more about how our experts treat prostate cancer >