When it comes to treating cancer, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for a positive outcome. Knowing what steps you can take to get tested and learn more about your health increases your chances of survival. Prostate cancer, for instance, can often be detected before symptoms emerge. If you have a family history of this condition, or your primary physician identifies warning signs that warrant further investigation, get in touch with an oncologist for additional testing.

How Can Prostate Cancer Be Diagnosed Early?

Early Detection Methods

Before a patient visits an oncology specialist for more thorough testing, there are two main ways to detect this condition before the patient experiences noticeable symptoms. The first is a basic digital rectal exam. This is colloquially referred to as a prostate check. The doctor inserts a gloved hand into a patient’s rectum to check for enlargements or abnormalities in the prostate.

Another way to check for this condition is to test the blood for the presence of the prostate-specific antigen. It’s unlikely that a doctor will recommend this test unless a patient already has a family history of prostate cancer, or if they’ve already developed symptoms.

Warning Signs

There are a few early warning signs people with prostate experience. These issues include a weak flow during urination, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, and in some cases, loss of bladder or bowel control. If you notice any of these, contact your doctor right away to schedule a prostate test and determine whether additional screenings are necessary.

If your doctor believes you may have prostate cancer, then get in touch with Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC, in Anchorage. The team understands how stressful cancer screenings and diagnoses can be, so offer compassionate care and in-depth information about your treatment options. Call (907) 279-3155 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for details about preparing for your office visit.