Early detection of Prostate Cancer is considered extremely important because if prostate cancer is diagnosed late and the disease has spread beyond the prostate, treatment can no longer be expected to cure the tumour.

The decision making process about Prostate Cancer screening or testing, should be the result of informed discussions with your GP or Dr Swindle, and your partner, and will take into account the risks and potential benefits of screening.

There are tests available which can detect Prostate Cancer at an early stage. These include the PSA blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen) and DRE (Digital Rectal Examination). The PSA blood test and the DRE in combination currently offer the best indication for the presence of prostate cancer and is the first step in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. These 2 tests don’t confirm the presence of prostate cancer but indicate a potential risk for prostate cancer. To confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer further testing in the form of a prostate biopsy must be under taken.