Primary care screening for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer among killers of men in the United States. Researchers continue to develop tests that are more sensitive for diagnosing prostate cancer. At present, primary care assessment and evaluation of the disease are determined by physical evidence that may not be apparent and by laboratory values that may not be truly reflective of the underlying disease process. Men over the age of 40 need an annual evaluation for increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) along with a digital rectal examination. Some data suggest that the digital rectal exam and PSA levels may be insensitive indicators of prostate cancer in men with low total or free testosterone levels. The synergistic effect of testosterone on PSA could mask indicators for evaluation of prostate cancer.