When men are in their 40s and 50s, it’s important for them to start prostate cancer screening to detect the disease early, allowing for more effective treatment options and better outcomes. Prostate cancer is often localized and slow-growing, so when it is caught early, it’s more responsive to treatment. In fact, the 5-year relative survival rate for men with early-stage prostate cancer in the US is greater than 99%.
The most common form of screening for prostate cancer is the Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. The other screening method is a digital rectal exam.
Screening tests can be helpful for early detection, but they are not without risks. If you believe that a healthcare practitioner diagnosed you late or failed to detect cancer immediately due to screening misconduct, consider reaching out to a medical malpractice lawyer.
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Benefits and Risks of Prostate Cancer Screenings
Prostate cancer screening can offer several potential benefits that would give you reasons to consider it, such as:
| - Finding and treating prostate cancer early before it spreads - Getting a better sense of your prostate cancer risk - Peace of mind if your screening shows you're unlikely to have prostate cancer - The option to choose further testing and closely monitor your prostate if your screening shows you may have cancer |
While prostate cancer screening may lead to a cancer diagnosis, it's not always clear whether the cancer is likely to grow and spread.
Despite its apparent benefits, screening tests such as PSA can lead to unnecessary medical procedures such as biopsies due to a false-positive result. The possible harms of a prostate biopsy include:
- Fever
- Pain
- Blood in semen
- Urinary tract infection
If diagnosed with prostate cancer, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
When is Prostate Cancer Screening Recommended?
The American Cancer Society provides guidelines for when men should consider prostate cancer screening based on age and risk factors:
| Age | Risk Factors |
| From age 40 | Men with more than one first-degree relative (father or brothers) who have or have had prostate cancer |
| From age 45 | Men with a higher risk of prostate cancer, including African American men or men who have a father or brother who was diagnosed with prostate cancer diagnosed before the age of 65 |
| From age 50 | Men with an average risk of developing prostate cancer who have a life expectancy of at least ten more years |
Before deciding about screening, make sure to know the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer first. This knowledge will help you make a more informed decision about when to take a test and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
How Often Should a Man Get His Prostate Checked
Generally, for the majority of men, undergoing prostate cancer screening every two to three years is considered sufficient. However, the recommended screening interval may vary depending on the results of the initial PSA test.
Your healthcare provider may advise more or less frequent monitoring depending on the above conditions to ensure early detection and timely intervention if necessary.
What If a Doctor Failed to Conduct a Proper Screening Test?
If a medical practitioner has failed to screen or misdiagnose a patient with prostate cancer properly, the patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. While screening tests like the PSA may give false positive results, it is the doctor's responsibility to advise on and conduct the most accurate and appropriate tests for each patient.
If you believe you are a victim of medical misdiagnosis, contacting a legal professional specializing in medical malpractice cases is crucial as soon as possible.
Our medical malpractice attorneys have the expertise to help victims of misdiagnosis establish and build a strong case. At the Porter Law Group, we collaborate with trusted medical consultants to identify and highlight any negligence or liability for the healthcare providers involved.
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Legal Support for Misdiagnosed Prostate Cancer Patients
Medical errors allow cancer to progress – making the disease more difficult to battle for affected patients. Negligent doctors can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Any damages incurred (economic and non-economic) can be legally compensated. Please check our previous wins for more insight.
At the Porter Law Group, we take pride in helping families rebuild from unfavorable circumstances. If you have any questions regarding cancer misdiagnosis or errors, please reach out for a no-obligation, free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don't have to pay anything unless we win. You may also contact us at 833PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule an appointment.
