This slide show explains the basics of prostate cancer, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening tests, and an overview of treatment options. You can also learn about the role and function of the prostate, and the significance of an enlarged prostate. Prostate cancer does not usually cause signs you can see or symptoms you feel, unless it is advanced. This is why screening is so important when it comes to prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor about your personal prostate cancer risk if you are a man between the ages of 40 and 50. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has had prostate cancer and ask about other risk factors. Participating in a screening plan with your doctor can help you find prostate cancer and treat it early, and this saves lives.
This slide show describes how doctors diagnose prostate cancer, and the tests needed to find out. It explains symptom assessment, physical examination, digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, prostate biopsy, imaging tests (MRI, CT scan and transrectal ultrasound), bone scan, lymph node biopsy, and more. This slide show also explains grades, Gleason score and Grade Group. Prostate cancer is common in men as they get older. Talk with your doctor about the tests you may need to diagnose prostate cancer or another condition as early as possible.
This educational activity has been developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.
This activity is supported by independent educational grants from Ferring, Janssen Biotech, Pfizer, and Sanofi Genzyme.
This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.