Prostate Screening Clinic in Canton MA

At Integra Primary Care, we are committed to supporting men’s health by offering comprehensive prostate screening services. Prostate screening involves medical tests and examinations designed to detect early signs of prostate problems, including prostate cancer, often before symptoms develop. Early detection is crucial, as prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and catching it early often leads to better treatment outcomes.
 
Primary screening methods include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE):

• PSA Blood Test: This simple test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, in your blood. While elevated PSA levels may suggest prostate cancer, they can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate or prostatitis.
 
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During this exam, your provider gently examines the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to assess its size, shape, and texture for any irregularities.
 
At Integra Primary Care, we believe in personalized care. We take the time to discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate screening with each patient. Not all prostate cancers are aggressive, and sometimes screening may lead to unnecessary worry or further testing. Together, we’ll help you make informed decisions about your prostate health based on your age, risk factors, and personal preferences.

Current medical guidelines recommend that men at average risk begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their primary care provider at age 50. However, if you are at higher risk—such as being African American, or having a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65—it’s important to start this conversation earlier, typically around age 45. For those with multiple family members affected at an early age, screening discussions may begin as early as age 40.
 
Prostate cancer screening usually includes a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and may also involve a digital rectal exam (DRE). We recognize that recommendations can vary, so our providers take the time to review your personal risk factors, overall health, and preferences before making any screening recommendations.

Prostate screening, most commonly performed with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and sometimes a digital rectal exam (DRE), is aimed at detecting early signs of prostate cancer—often before any symptoms appear. The primary benefit of prostate screening is the chance to identify prostate cancer early, which can allow for earlier intervention and, in certain cases, improved survival rates, particularly for more aggressive forms of the disease. Detecting cancer at an early stage may also mean less invasive treatment options and a better likelihood of cure.
 
• Understanding the Risks

While prostate screening offers important benefits, it also comes with some risks. False-positive results can occur, sometimes leading to unnecessary stress, further testing, or even prostate biopsies, which carry their own risks such as infection, bleeding, or discomfort. Another consideration is overdiagnosis—the detection of slow-growing cancers that might never cause problems during a man’s lifetime. Treating these harmless cancers can expose patients to potential side effects from surgery or radiation, including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel issues. There is also the possibility of false-negative results, in which cancer goes undetected.
 
• Personalized, Patient-Centered Care

At Integra Primary Care, we believe the decision to undergo prostate screening should be tailored to your unique health profile. Our providers will take the time to review your individual risk factors—including your age, family history, race, and overall health—to help you weigh the benefits and risks of screening. We are committed to shared decision-making, ensuring you have the information and guidance you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

If your prostate screening results are abnormal, it’s important not to panic—abnormal results do not always indicate prostate cancer. There are several reasons you might receive an abnormal result, such as benign prostate enlargement, infection, inflammation, or even recent activities like vigorous exercise or ejaculation.
 
The first step is to schedule a follow-up appointment with your Integra Primary Care provider. During this visit, we will review your personal and family medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and may recommend repeating the screening to confirm your results. Depending on your unique situation, your provider may suggest additional tests, such as a urinalysis, imaging studies, or a prostate biopsy, to help determine the cause of the abnormal results.

For men seeking proactive and personalized prostate health care, Integra Primary Care, under the guidance of Muhammad Ali Haider Bajwa, MD, and his team offer comprehensive screening that goes beyond a standard checkup. These experienced physicians take an integrative approach, ensuring a thorough discussion of individual risk factors, family history, and lifestyle before proceeding with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE). Their focus is on patient empowerment, providing clear, compassionate guidance so men can make informed decisions about their health and move forward with peace of mind. Should further evaluation be needed, they coordinate with trusted specialists to provide seamless, collaborative care.
 
 We encourage you to follow your provider’s recommendations, ask any questions you may have about your results and next steps, and share any symptoms or concerns you’re experiencing. Early evaluation and diagnosis allow us to guide you toward the most appropriate management and ensure you receive the best possible care and outcomes. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 95 Washington St, Ste 204 B, Canton, MA 02021. We serve patients from Canton MA, Sharon MA, Stoughton MA, Norwood MA, Walpole MA, Randolph MA, Mansfield MA, Dedham MA, and surrounding cities.