About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Yet early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, making screening an important part of protecting your health. Understanding your risk, knowing what a PSA test can tell you, and talking with a urologist about your options can help you detect prostate cancer earlier and make informed decisions about your care.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, making it an important time for men to take a closer look at their prostate health. At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence brings together advanced diagnostics, experienced specialists, innovative treatments and compassionate care for men throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
One of the most important things to know about prostate cancer is that early-stage prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful urination
- Erectile difficulties
- Pain in the back, hips or pelvis
These symptoms do not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate, urinary infection and other prostate conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Because early prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at all, men should not rely on symptoms alone to determine whether they need to be evaluated. Talking with your doctor about your individual risk and appropriate screening is an important part of early detection.
When Should Men Start Prostate Cancer Screening?
There is no single screening schedule that applies to every man. Age, family history and other risk factors can influence when screening should begin. Men with a family history of prostate cancer may have a higher risk and may benefit from discussing screening earlier with their doctor. At Conrad Pearson, we encourage men to talk with their physician about prostate cancer screening as early as age 40 based on their individual risk factors.
Screening can help identify prostate cancer before symptoms develop, when there may be more treatment options available. If you are unsure whether you should be screened, a conversation with a urologist can help you understand your personal risk and determine what approach makes sense for you.
What Is a PSA Test and What Does an Elevated PSA Mean?
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test used to measure PSA levels in the blood. PSA is produced by cells in the prostate. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean you have prostate cancer. PSA levels can be affected by several factors, including an enlarged prostate, inflammation, infection and prostate cancer.
So, what happens if your PSA is elevated?
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, we offer access to advanced diagnostic techniques that can help physicians better evaluate an elevated PSA and determine whether a prostate biopsy may be appropriate. Depending on your individual circumstances, testing may include advanced blood or urine tests such as IsoPSA, ExoDx or 4Kscore. These tests can provide additional information about a man’s risk of prostate cancer and may help determine whether a biopsy is necessary.
Do I Need a Prostate Biopsy If My PSA Is High?
Not necessarily. An elevated PSA is one piece of information—not a prostate cancer diagnosis by itself.
When additional evaluation is needed, prostate MRI can provide detailed images of the prostate and help identify areas that may be concerning for cancer. MRI findings can also help physicians determine whether a biopsy is appropriate and, when necessary, guide the biopsy toward suspicious areas.
Conrad Pearson also offers advanced biopsy techniques, including MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy and transperineal prostate biopsy. A transperineal biopsy obtains prostate tissue through the perineum rather than through the rectum and may offer benefits for certain patients, including those with concerns about infection risk.
The goal is to use the appropriate diagnostic approach for each patient rather than treating every elevated PSA the same way.
What Happens If I Am Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer?
A prostate cancer diagnosis does not mean every man will need the same treatment. Your recommended treatment depends on factors including the cancer’s grade and stage, PSA level, biopsy results, whether the cancer has spread, your overall health and your personal goals.
Treatment options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, hormone therapy and other advanced treatments. For men with more complex or advanced prostate cancer, Conrad Pearson’s Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic provides specialized care for cancer that has spread beyond the prostate or returned following previous treatment. Depending on the individual diagnosis, treatment may include hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, advanced radiation therapy and access to clinical research trials.
Should I Get a Second Opinion for Prostate Cancer?
Yes. A second opinion can be valuable at any point—from an elevated PSA to a confirmed prostate cancer diagnosis.
A second opinion may confirm your current diagnosis and treatment plan, but it may also provide additional perspective or identify treatment options you were not previously aware of.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, we encourage patients to seek the information they need to feel confident in their healthcare decisions. Our specialists use a shared decision-making approach, considering your specific cancer diagnosis along with your health, lifestyle and personal goals.
Why Choose a Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence?
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, prostate cancer care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. Our Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence brings together nationally recognized specialists, advanced diagnostics, innovative treatment options and a commitment to compassionate, individualized care.
Our team provides care across the spectrum of prostate cancer, from evaluating an elevated PSA and diagnosing early-stage disease to treating advanced or recurrent prostate cancer.
For eligible patients, Conrad Pearson also offers access to clinical trials and innovative prostate cancer research, providing additional opportunities to explore emerging treatments.
Most importantly, your care is personalized to you. Our specialists work together to help you understand your diagnosis, your options and the next steps in your treatment journey.
What Should Men Do During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder that you don’t have to wait for symptoms to talk about your prostate health. If you are due for prostate cancer screening, have an elevated PSA, have a family history of prostate cancer or have questions about your prostate health, consider talking with a urologist.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence is proud to provide advanced prostate cancer evaluation, diagnosis and treatment to men throughout the greater Memphis area. This September, make prostate health part of the conversation. Know your risk. Talk with your doctor. Get screened when appropriate.
