The early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Alliance of Canada

In determining whether or not to undergo early detection tests (PSA and DRE), men must weight the possibility of early diagnosis and treatment of potentially aggressive prostate cancer against the limitation of these tests and decisions they will be faced with regarding treatment choices, effectiveness and side effects. The Prostate Cancer Alliance recommends that men 50 years of age or older talk to their physicians and inform themselves about the benefits and risks of early detection testing using PSA and DRE in order to make an informed decision about whether to have the tests. Men in higher risk categories (those with a family history of the disease or with an African Canadian ancestry) should consider this recommendation starting at age 40. Extensive information is available on these matters. Men should request such information from their family physician or their urologist and consult any or all of the groups sponsoring this message.