The Power of Prevention: How Prostate Imaging Can Detect Cancer Early
November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, but the effort to raise awareness continues all year. The ongoing focus is a reminder for men to prioritize screenings and checkups—especially for conditions like prostate cancer, which affects about 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among American men.
Men tend to delay routine care, often because they feel healthy or don’t want to take time away from work or family. However, prostate cancer often develops quietly, without noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings and early detection can make all the difference, helping catch cancer early, when it is most treatable.
When to Begin Prostate Cancer Screening
Most men should begin prostate screening at age 50.
Men at higher risk, such as those who are African American or have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should start screening at age 45.
Men with certain genetic risks (such as BRCA2 mutation) may need to start screening as early as age 40.
Screening guidelines vary based on individual risk factors. Talk to a provider about the right time to start screening and how often to follow up.
Early Detection Through Screening
The first step in prostate cancer screening is a PSA blood test. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate. While it’s normal to have some PSA in your bloodstream, elevated levels or a significant increase compared to previous tests can be an early warning sign of prostate cancer. Screening doesn’t mean a cancer diagnosis; it’s simply the first step in monitoring your prostate health and can help identify who needs more testing and who can continue routine monitoring.
Prostate MRI
A prostate MRI may be the next step if further testing is required. Prostate MRI allows our specialized radiologists to directly visualize the prostate and interpret the images using a standardized system called PI-RADS. This provides important information to your physician.
After the Scan: A Clearer Picture of Your Health
Your doctor will combine your PI-RADS score with your PSA level, medical history, and any previous tests to create a personalized action plan. If needed, they may recommend further advanced imaging, biopsy, or discuss treatment options.
Know Your Risk, Get Screened
With November behind us, we hope you’ll continue to make time to check in with your health. Prostate screening plays a key role in detecting cancer early and guiding the next best steps. A simple conversation with your provider could put you on the path to years of peace of mind. Don’t wait! Know your risk, get screened, and take charge of your health. Early action can save lives.
Contributor: Abdominal Radiologist - Daniel Margolis, MD