Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, and possible symptoms are often due to other problems, such as an enlarged prostate. To be safe, urologists affiliated with Memorial Hermann recommend you tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Ask your doctor if screening makes sense for you. The decision should be made after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. Men should not be screened unless they have received this information.
Current recommendations from the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology and the American Urological Association advise:
Affiliated physicians at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center are finding revolutionary ways to diagnose and treat prostate cancer. In this video, Kevin Slawin, M.D., gives a presentation on the latest research and screenings for prostate cancer, with an introduction to the groundbreaking Prostate Health Index (phi) blood test. Dr. Slawin discusses how the new test will allow for more accurate readings, resulting in less false positives that have long been associated with the use of the standard Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
This simple blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen released by the prostate gland into the blood.
If your PSA results or other factors point to the possibility of cancer, your doctor may request a biopsy of the prostate. The doctors at Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers are able to analyze prostate tissue samples with exacting accuracy.
Some risk factors for prostate cancer are unavoidable. These can include age, passed down genes, and ethnicity.
Fortunately, you may be able to avoid some other risk factors.
Scientists don't yet know for sure what causes prostate cancer. But some studies suggest that making the following choices may help protect you:
A recent review of several studies suggests that aspirin may help protect men from prostate cancer. But the authors caution that more research is needed.
Make an appointment with a primary care physician or urologist if you would like to be screened for prostate cancer.
For more information about Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers, including how to get connected to our support services or an affiliated provider, call 833-770-7771 or fill out the form on this page to be connected to one of our Oncology Nurse Navigators.
If you are seeking care or nurse navigation support for a cancer patient, please complete the form below. For inquires related to scheduling, billing, or obtaining medical records, please contact (713) 222-CARE (2273).