Taking charge of our health
What to know about prostate cancer screening
When it comes to safeguarding our health, feeling in control is not only comforting—it can help us make more informed decisions. Studies show that when individuals are more empowered and confident about their care, they experience improved outcomes and a better quality of life. A prime example of how taking charge can benefit long-term health: prostate cancer screening.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 2,930 men in Arkansas will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. While the incidence rate of the disease is increasing slightly, the mortality rate has dropped by half. Today, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100% for men diagnosed with localized or regional-stage disease—an achievement the ACS attributes to earlier detection through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, as well as advances in treatment.
So, who should get a PSA test and when? Men of average risk should start receiving annual PSA tests, along with digital rectal exams, at age 50. Patients at higher risk, including Black men and those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, should talk to their primary care providers about beginning PSA tests at age 45. Individuals at the highest risk—men with more than one first-degree relative with an early-age prostate cancer diagnosis—should consider screening at age 40, or even earlier. These patients may also want to consult a urologist to determine whether additional testing is needed.
What can PSA tests help reveal? A rise in PSA levels may indicate a cause for concern or further investigation. Genomic and biomarker testing, as well as advanced imaging tools like MRI-guided biopsies, have significantly improved tumor characterization and prostate cancer staging. If diagnosed, some men may only require active surveillance (i.e., regular monitoring). For patients who require medical intervention, detecting the disease sooner often results in less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
At CARTI, we firmly believe that knowledge is power. It’s why we are committed to offering patients the resources and comprehensive support they need to make informed decisions about their health. If you have questions about prostate cancer screening or when you may need to begin receiving PSA tests, talk to your health care provider or visit screening.CARTI.com.
Toronsa Simpson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is an advanced practice registered nurse who sees patients at the flagship CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock and CARTI Urology in Searcy.
