Prostate Health Doesn't Have to Be a Mystery

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to talk about a gland that many men don’t think about until a doctor mentions it. The prostate works quietly for years, so it often goes unnoticed until there is a reason to check it.

Understanding what the prostate does, who is at higher risk, and when imaging is needed makes it easier to know what to do next.

Understanding Your Prostate

The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, found below the bladder in men. Its main job is to make fluid that helps carry and protect sperm. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. If the prostate changes, it can press on this tube, so changes in urination are often the first sign that something might be wrong.

Certain factors can increase your risk of prostate cancer.

• Age: Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 50.

• Family history: If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk is higher.

• Race: Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are often diagnosed at a younger age. This makes early conversations about screening especially important.

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, changes such as frequent urination, a weak or interrupted stream, or difficulty starting or stopping are usually the first to occur. Blood in the urine or pelvic discomfort can also occur. These symptoms can also indicate noncancerous conditions, so discuss them with our team at NY Imaging Specialists rather than guessing on your own.

Getting a Clear Answer

Screening usually starts with a PSA blood test and a physical exam. A PSA test alone cannot show the size, shape, or exact location of a concern within the gland. That is where imaging becomes essential.

If more detail is needed, a prostate MRI gives our radiologists a clear view of the gland’s structure and helps find areas that may need more attention. This is much more precise than blood tests alone. If a biopsy is needed, our interventional radiology team uses advanced imaging to guide their instruments and target the exact spot of concern.

What to Expect

Coming in for an imaging appointment can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s about something personal. That’s why we designed our centers to feel different from a typical medical office. In many of our locations, you’ll find a spa-like setting and calming scenes to help you relax. After your visit, a board-certified radiologist reviews every scan right on-site, so your results get immediate attention. If you need to recover after a procedure, you can rest in a private room with staff close by.

Prostate health does not have to be confusing, and you do not have to go through it alone. The first step is to talk with your doctor about your own risk factors.From there, you can schedule an appointment with NY Imaging Specialists or ask us any questions about what to expect.