There are several tests for prostate cancer.
A digital rectal examination (DRE) allows the doctor to detect any abnormalities in the prostate gland – whether it is the texture, shape or size. A transrectal ultrasound will also allow for the detection of abnormalities in the prostate gland.
A blood sample can be taken to detect the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This is a chemical that is naturally produced by the prostate gland. A high level of this antigen will alert the doctor to begin further investigations.
Prostate cancer screening usually involves taking a blood sample for PSA, and may be combined with a DRE.
Patients with a high PSA or abnormal DRE may require a prostate biopsy, which involves taking small amounts of tissue from the prostate gland for examination. It checks for the presence of cancer, and also how aggressive it is likely to be (grade).
Once prostate cancer is diagnosed, other tests that help with finding out the stage of the include computerised tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PSMA-PET scans and bone scans.