Screening (testing): prostate and testicular cancer

Screening can help detect cancer early, which can improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Screening for prostate cancer

If you are a man over 50 years of age, talk to your health care provider about getting tested early (Government of Ontario). Prostate cancer can be found by doing one of two tests:

1. Digital rectal exam (DRE): During a digital rectal exam (Canadian Cancer Society), a health care professional inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities (feeling for lumps and changes in the size, shape and consistency of the prostate). A normal prostate feels smooth and rubbery. Prostate cancer can feel like a hard or lumpy area.
2. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): This is a blood test (Canadian Cancer Society) that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. The prostate makes PSA. It is normal to find small amounts of PSA in the blood, but problems with the prostate can cause the PSA level to rise.

Screening for testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is detected using tests such as ultrasound, blood counts, MRI or biopsy. These tests are ordered by a health care provider if symptoms of testicular cancer (Canadian Cancer Society) are present or if cancer is suspected after a physical exam.

Getting screened

The tests used to detect prostate and testicular cancer must be ordered by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider.

This item was last modified on August 31, 2020