Prostate and Testicular Cancer Screenings

If prostate and testicular cancer are detected early, they are highly treatable. That’s why we consider routine screenings for these diseases an important part of your preventive health plan.

At the Henry Ford Men’s Health Center, our urologists follow the latest recommendations for testicular and prostate cancer screenings. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure whether you need these screenings. We’ll discuss the tests you may need and help you schedule them.

Screening for prostate cancer

Our doctors believe that both digital rectal exams (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are essential screenings. The American Urological Association recommends prostate cancer screening beginning at age 54, but we also consider your personal history and risk factors. Your doctor will help you decide when and how often you need these screenings.

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): Your doctor physically checks the prostate, feeling for anything irregular.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test measures PSA levels in your blood. If your levels are above normal, your doctor may recommend further tests. Elevated levels of this protein, produced by cells in the prostate, may indicate cancer.

Screening for testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is most common in men 15 to 34 years old, although it can occur at any age. No specific screening test exists for testicular cancer.

We recommend that men examine their testicles at least once a month. This is best done in the shower when you can easily feel for lumps or changes in your testicles. If you find anything out of the ordinary, schedule a physical exam with one of our experienced urologists. We may also check your blood for proteins associated with testes cancers and request an ultrasound.

The specialists at Henry Ford Men’s Health Center can help. We take a compassionate, personalized approach to your needs and use advanced techniques to achieve your goals.