If doctors previously diagnosed your father and grandfather with prostate cancer, you may worry or assume that you'll also experience the condition in the future. Although it's possible for you to inherit prostate cancer from your family members, you won't know for sure until you get screened for the disease. Learn more about prostate cancer screening and the treatments used to overcome the cancer below. 

What Should You Know About Prostate Cancer Screening?

Over 10 percent of men living in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. If the cancer isn't detected in its earliest stages, many of these men will succumb to it. Men who see their doctors regularly for prostate cancer screening tests may have a better chance of treating, surviving, and managing their condition. 

One of the screening tests used to detect signs of prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions is the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA). The antigen is a special and unique protein produced by the cells in your prostate gland. If you have something wrong with your prostate gland, a large quantity of PSA will show up in your blood. 

A doctor will need to run additional tests on your prostate gland before they diagnose you with cancer, including tissue sampling (biopsy). Biopsy tests can help rule out other potential diseases and disorders that can affect your prostate gland, including urinary tract infection and an enlarged prostate gland.

If your tests do reveal cancerous cells in your prostate gland or the tissues close to it, a doctor will begin immediate treatment.

What Treatments Do You Qualify For?

Your treatments for prostate cancer may depend on the extent of your condition. If your cancer is small or not significant enough to affect the rest of your health, a doctor may simply monitor your prostate gland during regular visits. If your cancer is malignant and at risk of spreading to nearby tissues, a doctor may recommend cryotherapy, radiation therapy, or another advanced treatment.

A physician may also make changes to your diet to help you overcome your cancer. Broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables may help reduce the progression of prostate cancer cells. The nutrients found in apricots and apples may also benefit you. A doctor will discuss the benefits of eating certain foods and why during your treatment. 

If you need answers about prostate cancer or the tests and treatments used for it, contact a doctor today.