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Stanford Health Care

Prostate Cancer Screening

Who is at Risk and Needs Screening?

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S. But the risks aren't equal. Black men are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease than are men of Asian, Hispanic, or European descent.

Screening is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages, when it's most treatable. Prostate cancer screening involves a simple blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) combined with a physicial examination of the prostate.

Prostate cancer screening is recommended for most men starting at age 55. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss with their physician whether they should be screened earlier. Most men are screened every two years, but more frequent screening may be recommended in certain cases.

What We Offer You For Prostate Cancer Screening

  • In-depth education by your provider to make sure you understand all the important factors related to prostate cancer screening. Go to About Prostate Cancer Screening
  • Evidence-based screening for prostate cancer based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society. Go to Techniques
  • Patient-centered care that considers your needs and preferences when making important health care decisions. Go to Benefits and Risks
  • Convenient access to care at primary care and urology clinics located throughout the Bay area. Go to Our Clinics

What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?

About Prostate Cancer Screening

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and helps produce some of the fluid found in semen. It surrounds the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) and is located just in front of the rectum.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate. You may be at higher risk if you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer screening includes a blood test and a physical examination of the prostate, which can detect prostate cancer in its early stages, before you experience symptoms. With early detection, doctors may be able to treat prostate cancer before it spreads.

You should consider prostate cancer screening if you are:

  • Age 55 or up, at average risk of developing prostate cancer, and expect to live at least 10 more years. Because much prostate cancer develops slowly, older men (age 70 and up) may not need to worry about screening any longer.
  • Age 50 and at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This high-risk group includes Black men and men with a first-degree relative (brother or father) who received a prostate cancer diagnosis before age 65.

Our Clinics

Urology Clinic

Stanford Urology Clinics provide general urology care for adult patients with a wide range of complex urologic problems. Our experienced urologists offer complete prostate cancer testing and expertise in sexual and reproductive health. We are committed to providing personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable, private environment.

View All Locations
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RELATED CLINICS

5565 W Las Positas Blvd
 Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 650-723-3391
5800 Hollis Street
 Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 510-806-2100
Make An Appointment

To make an appointment with a urologist, call:

Urology Clinic in Palo Alto: 650-723-3391

Urology Clinic in Pleasanton: 925-278-7095

Urology Clinic in Emeryville: 510-806-2100