I want to have my prostate checked

Should we be worried?

Prostate cancer is most common in men in Western countries. It mainly concerns men over 50 years of age. There are several forms of prostate cancer, some of which are non-fatal and/or non-evolving.

However, the benefit of screening is controversial and divides specialists. Choosing to have your prostate checked is therefore an individual decision that everyone can make based on their personal situation.

However, it is recommended that people whose siblings or fathers have had prostate cancer be screened every year from the age of 45.

What does the urologist do?

Two medical examinations are required for prostate cancer screening:

• Rectal touch: The doctor inserts his finger into the patient’s anus to feel the prostate and determine if its size and structure appear normal. It should be noted that this type of examination only detects a small number of tumours.
• Measuring PSA levels by blood sampling: PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which circulates in the blood. A higher than normal rate may be a sign of cancer. But it can also be an inflammation or a benign pathology of the prostate.

What if it’s cancer?

If following these tests, the doctor suspects a tumor, an MRI or a biopsy will be performed to determine its nature and location. The recommended treatment varies according to the type of tumour. Doctors can then recommend:

• A simple surveillance if the tumour is not very aggressive and/or slow evolving.
• Focal ultrasound treatment, which consists of burning cancer cells.
• A curative surgery that generally consists of removing the entire prostate gland.