The prostate is a male accessory sex gland that surrounds the urethra just below the bladder. It's purpose it to produce fluid that forms part of the ejaculate. Prostate cancer occurs commonly in men as they age. It is a malignant tumor that develops from the glands within the prostate. Prostate cancer can be totally cured if diagnosed when confined to the prostate.
Early detection is, therefore, critical.
We recommend an annual digital rectal exam in men over age 40. Those in high-risk groups should have the blood test yearly between ages 40 and 50. This early detection process should continue until, because of age or health considerations, it is determined that the patient's life expectancy is too short for the usually slow growing prostate cancer to cause problems. Usually prostate cancer early detection programs continue until a man is 75 to 80 years old . There is clearly a genetic component to prostate cancer and, therefore, those with a father, uncle, or brother with prostate cancer are considered to be at higher risk.