When to screen for prostate cancer
Referral for Symptoms
Many men experience an enlarged prostate as they age, which can lead to urinary problems. Symptoms associated with prostate issues include:
- More frequent urination (including at night)
- Urinating small amounts at a time
- Weak urine stream
- Dribbling after urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Burning sensation during urination
- Blood in urine/semen
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. Your general practitioner can offer you more information about your options. They will determine whether your PSA levels should be measured. Based on the overall assessment, you may be referred to a urologist for further examinations. This can be done at our specialized Center for Early Diagnostics.
No Symptoms, but diagnostics required
Based on global research, including contributions from our Center, we have a greater understanding of prostate cancer and its potential risk factors. Who is at increased risk of prostate cancer?
- Age is a general factor. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men under 50.
- Ethnic background. Prostate cancer is more common in men of African descent.
- Dietary patterns.
- Hereditary factors may play a role if:
- More than 3 family members (father, brother, grandfather, son) have had prostate cancer. The risk increases significantly if the person diagnosed with prostate cancer was younger than 55 years old.
- First or second-degree family members under 50 years old have been diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
- You or another family member (first or second-degree) have a mutation in the BRCA2 gene.
Screening is a conscious choice
Both the general practitioner and our urologists prioritize providing accurate information. We explain everything you need to know beforehand. This is mainly because the majority of prostate cancers grow slowly and may not require treatment. Thus, the diagnosis of prostate cancer carries significant weight. The stress of being labeled with ‘prostate cancer’ can affect quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of further investigation beforehand and make an informed decision.
Our friendly professionals wotk together on early diagnostics and scientific research. You may meet them at our Center.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate. PSA levels can only be measured in men and are done with a simple blood test. Elevated PSA levels may signify the presence of prostate cancer, but the elevated levels could also be caused by something harmless.
We cannot draw that conclusion based solely on your PSA levels. Normal PSA levels range between zero and four micrograms per liter of blood. Higher levels are considered elevated. This PSA increase can also be related to aging, prostate inflammation, or a benign condition. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but not necessarily. Additional diagnostics will provide more clarity.
In the case of a slowly growing form of prostate cancer, the tumor is still small and grows very slowly. In this situation, active treatment is not necessary. However, you will remain under the care of our Center. This is what we mean by active surveillance.
No, definitely not. It is the most common form of cancer in men aged 55 and older. In 2020, around 13,000 men in the Netherlands were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Of all the men diagnosed with cancer, 21% had prostate cancer.
What we know so far is that men of African origin and men with first-degree relatives who have passed away from prostate cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Based on scientific research, to which our Center also contributes, we are gaining more insight into the risk factors.
Unfortunately yes. It is a myth that nearly all older men get prostate cancer and that no one dies from it. We still see too many cases in which people were diagnosed too late when the cancer has already spread. Early diagnosis and more knowledge about risk factors should help us better determine which men need to be screened and when.
There may be a hereditary predisposition and an increased risk. We look at prostate cancer in first- or second-degree relatives: father, son, brother, grandfather, and grandson.
During a biopsy, the skin between your scrotum and anus and the tissue between the skin and the prostate are numbed with a thin needle. Despite the anesthetic, the biopsy, which involves removing small pieces of tissue, can feel sensitive. It helps to try to relax during the procedure.
No, you don’t need to fast or have an empty stomach before your biopsy. You can eat and drink normally.
Some people may feel light-headed after the procedure. We do not recommend driving or biking after the procedure. We recommend that you bring someone with you who can take you home.
You will receive your results within one week, usually during a video call, so you won’t need to travel to the NKI Center for Early Diagnostics again. You will most likely receive the appointment confirmation for this video call after your biopsy, by email and in your app.
