BENEFITS OF EARLY DETECTION All men are at risk of prostate cancer. Finding the disease early means the best chance of curing it. When found early, 99% of men will be alive five years later. Prostate cancer generally shows no symptoms until it is at an advanced stage. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available. The only way to detect it early is with the following tests. There are two early detection tests for prostate cancer: • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – Determines the level of PSA in the blood. Levels of PSA can be higher in men with prostate cancer. • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – A test done when a physician inserts a finger into the rectum to determine the health profile of the prostate.
The Community Care Network (CCN) With the passage of the Mission Act in 2018, the Community Care Network was established to give Veterans a broader network of medical care outside of the VA. Through the CCN, Veterans can receive care through community providers when the VA cannot provide the care needed. For prostate cancer patients, this means expanded access to treatment and medical care that may be closer to home and easier to access. For more information on the Community Care Network and how eligibility works, please visit our CCN fact page at zerocancer.org/CCN. Do I have to get my prostate cancer treatment through the VA? Where to receive treatment and how to pay for it is an individualized decision. Some Veterans receive prostate cancer care through the VHA, while others utilize VA benefits through the CCN. Veterans may have access to private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. For assistance navigating insurance benefits, Veterans can contact ZERO360 by calling 1-844-244-1309 Toll-Free.
National Cancer Institute
GUIDELINES FOR EARLY DETECTION The National Comprehensive Cancer Network ® (NCCN ® ) and ZERO recommend a man should be educated about prostate cancer and understand his options for early detection. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk and the guidelines to make a plan for testing. Beginning at about age 45, all men should talk to their doctor about screening for prostate cancer. If you are Black or have a family history of prostate or other cancers, you may be at higher risk and should talk to your doctor beginning at age 40.
PROSTATE CANCER 101
PROSTATE CANCER 101
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