Prostate Cancer Screening at Mediclinic

Early Detection Saves Lives

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men worldwide.. It often grows slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s what makes routine screening so valuable. When prostate cancer is found early, treatment tends to be more effective, and in many cases, less invasive.

Many men are unaware they are at risk, especially if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. Regular screening can help spot prostate cancer before it spreads, allowing for quicker and more targeted treatment options. Even for slow-growing cancers, knowing about it early gives you and your doctor more choices for monitoring or managing your condition.

Who should get screened?
Prostate cancer screening should be offered to all males age 50 or above.Screening may begin earlier for those with multiple risk factors. If you’re unsure when to start, your Doctor can help guide you based on your individual health profile and family history.

Are you eligible for screening?

You are likely eligible for a prostate cancer screening if you:

• Are a male aged 50 or older
• Have not had a PSA test in the past 12 months
• Are not currently being treated for a prostate-related condition, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Your doctor will assess your current health and recommend the best timing and method for screening.

What does the screening include?

Mediclinic offers two core screening tests:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test:
  • A blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to the lab
  • PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland; high levels may be a sign of cancer, but can also result from non-cancerous prostate conditions such as BPH or inflammation
  • Results are usually available within a few working days
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE):
  • A doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the back of the prostate gland
  • They check for any lumps, hard areas, or irregularities
  • It’s quick, and although it may feel a little uncomfortable, it’s usually not painful

These tests provide different but complementary information. Together, they give a more complete picture of your prostate health.

How to book your screening

Call 800 2033. Our team will confirm your eligibility, answer any questions, and help you arrange an appointment at a Mediclinic facility that’s convenient for you.

What happens during your appointment?

• The doctor will review your medical history and ask about any urinary symptoms or family history of prostate issues
• They’ll explain both tests before beginning, so you know exactly what to expect
• The PSA test takes just a few minutes
• The DRE is also very quick and will be conducted in a private, respectful setting

You can eat, drink, and take most medications as usual before your appointment, but it’s a good idea to avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before your PSA test, as these can affect your results.

After the test

• You can go back to your usual activities right away
• Your Doctor will contact you within 3 working days once the PSA results are ready
• If needed, your doctor will explain the results and any recommended follow-up

Understanding your results

Normal PSA and DRE: No immediate concerns. You’ll be advised when to return for your next routine screening, usually every 1 to 2 years

Elevated PSA or abnormal DRE: Further tests may be needed. This might include a second PSA test, a prostate MRI, or a biopsy to get a closer look

Not all elevated PSA levels mean cancer. Many men with raised PSA do not have cancer, and many with prostate cancer have only mildly raised levels. That’s why a follow-up plan is so important.

How often should I be screened?

Screening frequency depends on your individual results and risk level:

• If PSA is low: repeat test every 2–4 years
• If PSA is moderately raised: repeat test every 1–2 years

If risk is high or PSA increases: your doctor may advise further actionWhether you’re considering your first test or want to understand more about your results, our doctors are here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.

Early detection saves lives – Book a consultation today using the Mediclinic app or request a call back by filling in the form.