Home How to find Us Information About Urinary Incontinence Prostate Cancer Sexual Function Other Helpful Links	How can I find out if I have prostate cancer? During an annual check up, doctors usually do a DRE (digital rectal exam). If the doctor feels anything unusual, or you have experienced changes in your urination habits, a PSA test may be ordered. This is a blood test that measures how much prostate specific antigen (PSA) the prostate is producing. It is the most sensitive test we have for prostate cancer but it can be difficult to interpret. If levels are higher than normal, it means that there could be a prostate problem – not necessarily cancer. There could be an infection in the prostate, or enlargement that is not cancerous. If the doctor suspects prostate cancer, he or she may recommend further tests. A transrectal ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the prostate and allows the doctor to guide a biopsy. The needle biopsy will be used to remove a small amount of tissue to see if it contains cancer cells. If cancer is detected by using either of these tests, x-rays and further ultrasounds may also be used to check the stage of your cancer, and this will help to determine treatment options. Once all of the tests are done and a diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed, you will meet with your doctor to decide on treatment. What is the prostate? / What is prostate cancer? / Will I get prostate cancer? / What are the other diseases that affect the prostate? / What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? / How can I find out if I have prostate cancer? / I have prostate cancer now what? / What is the grade and stage of prostate cancer? / Why is it important to know the grade and stage of prostate cancer? / What type of treatment will I get for my prostate cancer? / Watchful waiting / Surgery / Radiation / Hormone therapy & other treatment options / How do I make a treatment decision? / Glossary of terms / Sources of support and further information "A source of information, help, and support for common Urological problems..." Telephone: 905.681.9300   Fax: 905.632.2893   info@UrologyResourceCentre.com 488 Locust Street., Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1V2