Men, let’s be honest: prostate health is not a topic most people are eager to bring up. It can feel uncomfortable, embarrassing or easy to avoid, especially when you feel fine.

But feeling fine doesn’t always mean everything is fine. Prostate cancer often has no symptoms early on, which is why awareness and screening are so important. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S., excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. But when caught early, prostate cancer is often highly treatable.

As physicians, we know these conversations can be tough, but they are often the first step toward early detection. A simple conversation with your doctor about prostate cancer screening can help you understand your risk and decide when testing makes sense for you.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is the walnut-sized reproductive gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. As men age, the prostate can develop issues, including prostate cancer.

Your primary care provider is the best place to start when it comes to evaluating your prostate health. And no, that does not mean jumping straight into a physical exam. It simply starts with a conversation about your personal health — your age, family history, risk factors and any symptoms or concerns you may have.

Depending on that conversation, your provider may recommend a PSA blood test, which is the most common screening for prostate cancer. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in your blood.

In other words, “getting your prostate checked” does not usually mean a rectal exam. Because PSA testing is now the primary screening tool, a rectal exam is typically not necessary.

The blood draw takes just a few moments. You can schedule a PSA test with your primary care provider.

When to Get Screened

Generally, conversations about PSA screening start around ages 45 to 50. Men at higher risk — including those with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors — may need to start screening earlier.

Every situation is different. Talking with your provider can help you decide what makes sense for you.

What an Elevated PSA May Mean

If your PSA level is elevated or if anything concerning is found, your primary care provider may refer you to a urologist.

Urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary and reproductive systems, including prostate cancer. They can help determine what your PSA results may mean and whether additional care is needed.

Being referred to a urologist does not mean cancer is present — PSA can also rise because of an enlarged prostate, inflammation or infection. A referral simply means we need to take a closer look.

How Prostate Cancer is Treated

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some cases require treatment right away, while others may be monitored over time. Treatment recommendations could include surgery, radiation therapy or other approaches depending on your personal situation.

Prostate cancer care has advanced significantly. At Rocky Mountain Urology Center, our team offers options for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, with care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Valley View’s Calaway-Young Cancer Center also offers a multidisciplinary clinic where prostate cancer specialists work together to help patients understand their options and determine the best path forward. For men facing prostate cancer, this collaboration can help support thoughtful, individualized treatment.

Calaway-Young Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care, bringing together experts across disciplines to provide thoughtful, personalized treatment.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. Some risk factors, including age and family history, are beyond our control. Because prostate cancer often causes no symptoms early on, it’s important that men talk with their provider about PSA screening.

If there’s one message we hope to leave you with, it’s this: Don’t let awkwardness or hesitation keep you from getting the answers you need. Talk through your concerns, questions and fears — not only with your doctor, but with the people you trust. Too many men navigate prostate health alone because they feel embarrassed or worry about being judged. But prostate health is a part of overall health, and having support can make the next step feel less stressful.

By talking about it, you might even encourage someone else to seek care, too.

A simple PSA blood test can help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Ask your provider if screening is right for you.

Dr. Goralka sees patients at Valley View’s Roaring Fork Family Practice locations in Carbondale and Willits. To schedule an appointment, visit  https://www.vvh.org/roaring-fork-family-practice/ or call 970.963.3350.

Dr. Williams sees patients at Valley View’s Rocky Mountain Urology Center locations in Glenwood Springs and Willits. To schedule an appointment, visit vvh.org/urology or call 970.928.0808

More Resources

Enlarged Prostate vs. Prostate Cancer: What Men Need to Know

Forging Community: A Valley Blacksmith’s Story of Overcoming Cancer

Precision-Driven, Patient-Centered Approach: The New Standard in Prostate Cancer Biopsy