Optimal screening involves monthly self-breast examination, yearly physician evaluation and yearly mammography as a combination. Modifications are warranted for individuals with strong risk factors, symptoms of palpable masses and nipple changes, or suspicious findings which warrant further diagnostic studies. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the number one cancer among men. The probability of a man ever developing prostate cancer in his lifetime is 1 in 5. This is because prostate cancer is slow growing.
Localized cancer is most curable.
Hence, de-facto screening which has occurred since 1988 when PSA came into widespread use has already had an impact. PSA has been a good marker for prostatic disease. The ratio of free PSA to total PSA is still another test. If this ratio is determined to be less than 0.15 one should suspect cancer. In conjunction with PSA, DRE remains crucial in detecting many early clinical cancers.