Prostate Health Screening in Central Illinois

Prostate Cancer Screening / PSA and Digital Rectal Exam

Dr. Banno and Midwest Urological Group believe that early detection and screenings can save lives in many areas of medicine. This includes the PSA and Digital Rectal Exam for Men for the early detection of Prostate Cancer. This routine blood test and exam can assist with the early detection of prostate cancer in men. We believe that this simple screening test and exam can assist us with early detection and ultimately help us successfully treat the cancer in our patients. Please read more below about the PSA screening and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

Midwest Urological Group recommends that men between the ages of 55 & 69 get annual prostate health screenings. With our urology clinic located in Peoria, IL, Dr. Banno provides prostate cancer screening for men throughout Springfield, Champaign, Galesburg, Decatur, Galesburg, and Bloomington, IL. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Joseph Banno, please call (309) 740-3126 or request an appointment online.

What Is A PSA Blood Test?

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is one way to screen for prostate cancer. This blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein made only by the prostate and prostate cancers. The test can be done in our office.

Very little PSA is found in the blood of a man with a healthy prostate. A low PSA is a sign of prostate health. A rapid rise in PSA may be a sign that something is wrong. Prostate cancer is the most serious cause of a high PSA result. Another reason for a high PSA can be benign (non-cancer) enlargement of the prostate. Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate, can also cause high PSA results.

A rise in PSA level does not tell us the type of cancer cells present. The rise tells us that cancer may be present.

What Is A DRE?

The digital rectal examination (DRE) helps find prostate problems. For this exam, Dr. Banno or one of our physician extenders (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) puts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum. The man either bends over or lies curled on his side on a table. During this test, they feel for an abnormal shape or thickness to the prostate. DRE is safe and easy to do. But the DRE by itself cannot detect early cancer. It should be done with a PSA test.

Who Should Get Screened?

Screening is recommended if you are a man:

• Between 55–69 years old
• African–American
• Have a family history of prostate cancer

What are the benefits and risks of screening?

The PSA test and DRE are very important tools. They help to find prostate cancer early before it spreads. When found early, it can be treated early which helps stop or slow the spread of cancer. This is likely to help some men live longer.

The risk of a PSA test is that it may miss detecting cancer (a “false negative”). Or, the test may be a “false positive,” suggesting something is wrong when you are actually healthy. A false-positive result may lead to a biopsy that isn’t needed. The test might also detect very slow-growing cancer that will never cause problems if left untreated.

What Are The Survival Rates For Prostate Cancer?

Many men with prostate cancer will not die from it; they will die from other causes. For men who are diagnosed, it is better if it is caught early.

Survival rates for men with prostate cancer have increased over the years, thanks to better screening and treatment options. Today, 99% of men with prostate cancer will live for at least 5 years after diagnosis. Many men having treatment are cured. Most prostate cancer is slow-growing and takes many years to progress. One out of three men will survive after five years, even if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment choices for prostate cancer include:

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Schedule an Appointment for PSA Screening in Central Illinois

Keep up to date with your prostate health and schedule an appointment for PSA screening with Midwest Urological Group. Early detection is the key to successfully treat prostate cancer, call (309) 692-9898 to schedule a consultation at our urology clinic in Peoria, IL.