Call 920.206.3042 to schedule an appointment with a Urologist in Watertown.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States, and early detection can make a life‑saving difference. Screening helps identify cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.

At Watertown Regional Medical Center, we encourage men to learn about their risks, talk with their healthcare provider, and make informed decisions about screening.

Why Prostate Cancer Screening Matters

Screening looks for cancer before symptoms develop. The goal is to detect prostate cancer early – because prostate cancer often grows slowly, many men don’t notice symptoms until the disease has advanced.

The prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most common screening tool. PSA levels can be higher in men with prostate cancer, but they can also rise due to other conditions such as infection or an enlarged prostate. That’s why it’s important to discuss results with a healthcare provider who can interpret them in context.

A clinician may also perform a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to feel for abnormalities in the prostate. If results are abnormal, your provider may recommend additional testing, such as imaging or a biopsy, to determine whether cancer is present.
 

Who Should Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommends that men talk with their healthcare provider about screening at the following ages:

• Age 50 for men at average risk
• Age 45 for men at high risk (including African American men and those with a father or brother diagnosed before age 65)
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (more than one first‑degree relative diagnosed early)

This conversation helps men understand the benefits, risks, and uncertainties of screening so they can make the choice that’s right for them.

Understanding the Risks and Benefits

Like all medical tests, prostate cancer screening has potential risks, including false positives, false negatives, or detection of cancers that may never cause harm (overdiagnosis). That’s why shared decision‑making with your provider is essential. 

However, for many men – especially those at higher risk – screening offers peace of mind and the possibility of catching cancer early, when treatment is most successful.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you’re a man age 50 or over – or younger with risk factors – now is the time to talk with your healthcare provider about prostate cancer.

At Watertown Regional Medical Center, our Urology team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your health.

Your future is worth the conversation. Schedule your screening discussion today by calling us at 920.261.1334.