Determining Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

At Urology Austin, we tell our patients that it is critically important to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. If we can find it early, we are better able to treat it successfully. We look at each individual’s prostate cancer risk factors to determine which patients should receive screening tests for prostate cancer.

Since prostate cancer almost never has any symptoms until it is in a more advanced state, we rely heavily on screening to catch the disease in the early stages. The first thing your Urology Austin physician will do is talk with you about your health history. You will discuss whether or not you have one or more of the following prostate cancer risk factors; after this discussion, your physician will determine if and when you need prostate cancer testing.

Check Your Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

The likelihood that you may get prostate cancer increases when one or more of the following are true:

• You are age 65 or older
• You are African American
• You have a first-degree relative—a father, brother or son—diagnosed with prostate cancer
• You are obese
• You are a smoker
• You consume a diet high in fats, red meat or calcium

Advances in Testing Help Determine Which Patients Have Higher Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

At Urology Austin, we are encouraged by recent research that shows that certain genes may put men at a higher risk. This is encouraging news because testing for these genes allows doctors to determine which patients have higher prostate cancer risk factors, allowing us to be vigilant in screening and monitoring these patients for signs of prostate cancer. When we keep a close eye on at-risk patients, we are able to catch prostate cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment is a high priority at Urology Austin. Our physicians are always looking for the latest advances in testing that will help our patients, either by determining prostate cancer risk factors or by finding the cancer in the very early stages. If you would like to learn more about your risk for getting prostate cancer, contact us. We’re here to help you stay healthy.