Expert advice on prostate cancer screening and symptoms

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men. The prostate is a gland that it a part of the male reproductive system. It is found below the bladder and between the anus and penis. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate grow out of control. Fortunately, prostate cancer also has a high survival rate when it is caught early.¹  We spoke with Eric Moskowitz, MD, a board-certified urologist at Optum Medical Care, to find out who is most at risk and how to screen for prostate cancer.

Who should be screened for prostate cancer?

Men that are 50 years old who are expected to live for 10 more years should ask their doctor about screening for prostate cancer. If you have a higher risk of cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that youtalk to your provider about prostate cancer screening earlier at 45 years old. Higher risk factors include having a family history of prostate cancer, being African American or having Caribbean ancestry. If your father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is recommended to get screened at 40 years old.² This is because having an immediate family member with prostate cancer doubles your own risk of prostate cancer.³

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

“In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms,” said Dr. Moskowitz. “That is why early detection is so important when it comes to treating prostate cancer. When prostate cancer is caught early it may be easier to treat.”⁴

An advanced stage of prostate cancer means that the cancer cells have grown and may have spread to other parts of the body. Once prostate cancer has advanced, there are many symptoms that a person can have. People with prostate cancer can experience some, all or none of these symptoms. They include:^5,6

• Urinary problems – this can include frequency, trouble peeing, pain, burning or weak urinary flow or even blood in the urine
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the lower back, pelvic zone, hips or upper thighs
• Loss of hunger
• Loss of weight
• Bone pain

It is important to see a doctor for any of these symptoms. While experiencing these symptoms doesn’t always mean a person has prostate cancer, it can be an indication of an underlying condition. For people who have received a negative prostate cancer screening but are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may order additional tests to identify the cause of symptoms .⁷

What does prostate cancer screening do?

“Screening aims to detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear, when it may be more treatable,” said Dr. Moskowitz. “It is typically done with the Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test along with a digital rectal exam.”³

A PSA blood test will check the levels of a specific type of protein that is created by the prostate gland.⁸ Usually, the higher the amount of protein found, the higher the possibility of prostate cancer is. If the protein levels are higher than normal, a doctor may recommend other testing to check for prostate cancer.

A digital rectal exam is less effective than a PSA test but can sometimes find cancer in men with normal PSA levels.⁹ A doctor, wearing a latex glove, will insert a finger inside of the anus to check for lumps or abnormal hard spots on the prostate gland. It may feel embarrassing, or more uncomfortable if the person has hemorrhoids, but it is a quick process.

At Optum, our urology department specializes in the medical and surgical care of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urologists at Optum are available to screen for prostate cancer and help diagnose and treat several other urological conditions.

Dr. Eric Moskowitz is a Board Certified Urologist. He completed an Endourological Society accredited Fellowship in Urologic Oncology with a focus on Robotic Surgery for the treatment of kidney and prostate cancer. Dr. Moskowitz’s clinical interests also include the management of complex kidney stone disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, men’s health issues, and all other aspects of general urology. Dr. Moskowitz is providing care to patients in Bethpage, Garden City and Lake Success, NY.

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer.  Accessed August 5, 2025.
2. American Cancer Society.  Prostate Cancer Risk Factors.  Accessed August 5, 2025.
3. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. Accessed August 5, 2025.
4. American Cancer Society. Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early? Accessed August 5, 2025.
5. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Accessed August 5, 2025.
6. CDC. Symptoms of Prostate Cancer.  Last updated February 11,2025. Accessed August 5, 2025.
7. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Accessed August 5, 2025.
8. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Screening Tests. Accessed August 5, 2025.
9. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Screening Tests. Accessed August 5, 2025.