How Is Prostate Cancer Detected? Tests, Diagnosis & the Importance of Early Screening

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in many countries and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. However, the good news is that when it’s found early, it’s also one of the most treatable. The challenge? In its early stages, prostate cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms.

That’s why knowing how prostate cancer is detected — and what options are available — is so crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The main methods used to detect prostate cancer

• How accurate each test is

• Who should get tested and when

• The advantages of modern diagnostic tools like the Stockholm3 test

Why Early Detection Matters

Prostate cancer can grow silently for years before showing symptoms. In fact, many men don’t know they have it until the disease is in an advanced stage — when it’s harder to treat and the risk of complications is greater.

Detecting the cancer before it spreads means:

• More treatment options

• Less aggressive interventions

• A higher chance of long-term survival

The five-year survival rate for early-stage prostate cancer is nearly 100%, compared to much lower rates for advanced or metastatic cases.

The First Step: Screening for Prostate Cancer

The first step in detecting prostate cancer is usually a screening test. These are designed to catch early signs of disease before any symptoms appear.

There are two main screening methods in use today:

1. PSA Test – The Traditional Approach

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) — a protein produced by the prostate.

How it works:

• A small blood sample is taken

• PSA levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)

• Higher levels may indicate a problem in the prostate

What a high PSA might mean:

• Prostate cancer

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Prostatitis (inflammation)

• Recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise

Pros:

• Simple and quick

• Widely available

• Can detect issues before symptoms occur

Cons:

• Not cancer-specific

• Can lead to false positives

• May trigger unnecessary biopsies

2. The Stockholm3 Test – A More Advanced Option

Developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the Stockholm3 test is a next-generation diagnostic tool for detecting prostate cancer — especially aggressive types.

It’s also a blood test, but instead of measuring just PSA, it combines multiple data points to provide a personalized risk score.

What the Stockholm3 test measures:

• PSA + four additional protein biomarkers

• Genetic risk factors (over 100 DNA variants)

• Clinical information (age, family history, previous biopsies)

Advantages:

• More accurate at detecting clinically significant prostate cancer

• Reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies by up to 50%

• Detects more aggressive cancers earlier

The Stockholm3 test gives a risk percentage (0–100%) indicating the likelihood that a man has high-grade prostate cancer.

👉 Learn more: [How the Stockholm3 test works] (insert internal link)

What Happens If a Test Is Positive?

If PSA or Stockholm3 results indicate a higher risk, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic steps:

3. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

The doctor manually examines the prostate by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for:

• Irregularities

• Hard lumps

• Asymmetry

While not always pleasant, it’s a quick and useful screening method — often done together with a blood test.

4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

If the blood tests or DRE raise concerns, the next step is usually a multi-parametric MRI scan of the prostate.

This creates high-resolution images of the gland to:

• Locate suspicious areas

• Determine tumor size and location

• Help guide a potential biopsy

MRI improves the accuracy of biopsies and helps avoid random sampling.

5. Prostate Biopsy

A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer.

How it works:

• Small tissue samples are taken from the prostate using a needle

• Often done with ultrasound or MRI guidance

• The samples are sent to a lab for microscopic analysis

Possible side effects:

• Blood in urine or semen

• Temporary pain

• Low risk of infection

Because biopsies are invasive, doctors prefer to use them only when clearly needed — which is why accurate screening tools like Stockholm3 are so important.

Summary of Detection Methods

TestWhat It DoesStrengthsLimitationsPSA testMeasures PSA in bloodWidely available, fastLow specificity, many false positivesStockholm3 testMulti-biomarker & genetic screeningHigh accuracy, fewer biopsiesStill being rolled out in some regionsDREManual prostate examSimple, low-costCan miss deep or small tumorsMRIHigh-res images of prostateNon-invasive, guides biopsiesRequires specialized equipmentBiopsyTissue sample for diagnosisConfirms cancerInvasive, potential side effects

Who Should Get Tested?

Guidelines vary by country, but generally testing is recommended for:

✅ Men aged 50 or older
✅ Men over 45 with family history of prostate cancer
✅ Men of African descent, who have a higher risk
✅ Anyone with urinary symptoms or other warning signs
✅ Those who want a proactive health check

Many healthcare providers now use Stockholm3 as the first line of testing — especially for men in risk groups — to improve accuracy and reduce overdiagnosis.

What If No Symptoms Are Present?

Most men with early-stage prostate cancer don’t feel anything unusual. That’s why waiting until symptoms appear isn’t always safe.

Testing offers peace of mind and, if needed, early action.

Remember: No symptoms doesn’t mean no cancer.

What About Overdiagnosis?

A common concern with cancer screening is overdiagnosis — detecting tumors that would never become dangerous.

This can lead to:

• Unnecessary worry

• Over-treatment (with side effects)

• Unneeded biopsies

That’s why newer tools like Stockholm3 are so valuable: they help distinguish low-risk cancers that don’t require treatment from high-risk cases that do.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Through a Regular Check-Up?

Sometimes. If you go to your doctor for a routine physical and mention:

• Urinary issues

• Erectile problems

• Family history

…they may offer a PSA test or refer you to a specialist. However, not all countries offer regular screening, so you may need to ask for it.

In areas where Stockholm3 is available, you may be referred directly for that test instead.

What Happens After a Diagnosis?

If cancer is confirmed, the next steps include:

• Determining the Gleason score (how aggressive the cancer is)

• Staging the cancer (has it spread?)

• Discussing treatment options

Common treatments include:

• Active surveillance (for low-risk cancers)

• Surgery (removal of prostate)

• Radiation therapy

• Hormone therapy

Your doctor will tailor a plan based on your age, health, cancer type, and personal preferences.

Summary: Don’t Wait – Get Checked

Early detection is your best ally against prostate cancer. Whether you’re concerned about symptoms or just want a clear picture of your health, testing can make all the difference.

Age / SituationRecommended ActionOver 50Ask your doctor about testingFamily historyTest earlier (around age 45)African descentConsider earlier and regular testingUrinary changes or painSeek medical adviceNo symptoms but concernedStockholm3 can offer clarity

Next Steps

👉 Find out how the Stockholm3 test works and where to take it. (link to article 4)
👉 Learn the early warning signs of prostate cancer. (link to article 1)
👉 Explore lifestyle risk factors in our next post. (link to article 3)