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Stanford Health Care

Benefits and Risks

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?

Benefits and Risks of Prostate Cancer Screening

Before you and your doctor decide what screening is right for you, it's important to understand the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening.

The goal of cancer screenings is to catch the cancer and treat it before it spreads. Early treatment generally leads to better patient outcomes. This is especially true for Black men who are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer screening itself has few risks. These include:

  • False positive test results: Both PSA and DRE tests can return a positive result even if there is no cancer present. This leads to unnecessary tests, such as biopsies, to confirm the diagnosis and can cause confusion and concern.
  • False negative test results: PSA and DRE tests can also return a negative result in the presence of cancer. This can give a false sense of security.

Overdiagnosis is also a risk. Prostate cancer screening can identify dangerous tumors. But it also identifies men with slow-growing prostate cancer that will never lead to death or even cause problems. These men may have tests or treatments that don’t benefit their overall health.

Your values and personal preferences are important in deciding whether you should have prostate cancer screening. Our experienced doctors at Stanford Health Care help you weigh your risks and benefits and decide your best path forward.

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.

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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