Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, PSA and Diagnosis
General information on prostate cancer, its risk factors and symptoms, the PSA test and the shared screening decision.
Definition
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men, producing part of the seminal fluid. Prostate cancer arises from uncontrolled growth of its cells and is one of the most common cancers in men. A substantial proportion progresses slowly, and treatment success is high when it is detected early.
- Frequency
- Among the most common cancers in men
- Typical age
- Mostly over 50
- Screening tools
- PSA blood test and examination
- Course
- A large proportion progresses slowly
Who is at risk
The most decisive factor is age; the disease mostly appears after 50. Risk rises with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer, and some inherited changes can also increase it. Men with a family history of early prostate cancer are advised to discuss screening timing with their physician.
Symptoms
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why the screening discussion matters. In later stages, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, a weak stream, blood in semen or urine and bone pain may occur. Since these symptoms also occur in benign prostate enlargement, the distinction can only be made by a physician.
The PSA test and the screening decision
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and measurable in blood. Elevations can also be caused by benign enlargement and inflammation, so a PSA result alone does not establish a diagnosis. When to start screening and how often to repeat it is a shared decision with the physician, weighing age, family history and personal preferences.
When PSA is elevated, factors affecting the result and previous measurements are reviewed first. Repeat testing, risk assessment and prostate MRI may be considered. When a definitive diagnosis is needed, it relies on assessment of biopsy tissue; not every elevated PSA requires the same investigation plan.
Course and treatment approach
The approach depends on the stage of the disease, the grade of the cells, age and accompanying conditions. Close monitoring is preferred in some low-risk situations, while surgery, radiotherapy and medical treatments are considered in others. The appropriate path is decided together with urology and oncology specialists.
This page is intended as general health information; for diagnosis and treatment, please consult your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high PSA mean cancer?
No. PSA can also rise with benign enlargement, inflammation and after certain procedures. Interpretation and any further work-up belong to the physician.
At what age does prostate screening start?
There is no single standard age; the decision is made together with the physician based on age, family history and personal preference. A family history of early prostate cancer favours an earlier discussion.
Does prostate cancer progress quickly?
A substantial proportion progresses slowly, while some types behave more aggressively. Stage and cell grade guide the assessment, which is made by specialist physicians.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Options range from monitoring to surgery, radiotherapy and medical treatments. The appropriate path is decided with the patient by specialist physicians according to stage, age and accompanying conditions.
All articles on this topic
- What does a PSA test tell us? Understanding results
Does a high PSA always mean prostate cancer? Understand the roles of PSA in screening, diagnosis and follow-up and factors affecting results. - Prostate MRI and biopsy: their different roles
How prostate MRI and biopsy differ, what PI-RADS describes, and what to discuss before testing and when reviewing results. - Gleason score, Grade Group and prostate cancer stage
Understand Gleason score, Grade Group and stage, including why 3+4 and 4+3 are different and how prostate cancer findings are assessed together. - Active surveillance and follow-up after prostate cancer treatment
How active surveillance, watchful waiting and follow-up after prostate cancer treatment differ, and what monitoring is intended to achieve.
References
- NCI: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- EAU Prostate Cancer: Diagnostic Evaluation
- NCI: Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
- EAU Prostate Cancer: Treatment
- EAU Prostate Cancer: Follow-up
Aymed İlaç Sanayi manufactures authorised medicinal products in urology and nephrology. This page does not contain diagnostic or treatment advice; it is intended as general health information.
Published by Aymed İlaç · 17 October 2026