Prostate Cancer Screening in New York
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men. When diagnosed early, the probabilities of recovery drastically increase. For New York male residents who are 50 or older, Dr. Alfred Shtainer offers a variety of prostate cancer detection services in his Brooklyn and Rego Park, Queens, offices
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrollable growth of cells, making them abnormal. When they grow without control in the prostate, the consequences include urination problems, back pain and pain during ejaculation; and ultimately, it can lead to death.Â
Prostate cancer is diagnosed yearly in one in eight men in the United States; for African American men, the rate is one in six. It rarely affects men under 50 years of age, which is why urologists recommend getting regular screenings starting at 50.Â
Risk Factors
- Age. While risk increases after the age of 50, most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.
- Family history. If you have a man in your family with a previous prostate cancer diagnosis, you have a higher probability of getting it.Â
- Genetics. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 (tumor suppressors).
- Lifestyle. A high-fat diet paired with high meat intake can contribute to risk. Â
Symptoms
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
- A weak or interrupted urinary stream.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or thighs.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Urologist note: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. A proper medical evaluation is essential to determine the cause.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Prostate cancer screening helps detect overgrown cells and take action promptly. At Dr. Shteiner’s New York office, he offers the following detection methods:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Dr. Shtainer feels your prostate for lumps or unusual growths.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A PSA blood test helps detect higher levels of the antigen, which may indicate prostate cancer.
Imaging Tests (MRIs)
Advanced imaging technology helps identify suspicious areas before a biopsy, reducing unnecessary procedures.
If the results of these tests come back positive, Dr. Shtainer will perform a prostate biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative to consult with a kidney stone specialist, as they are not only painful, but pose a threat to the urinary tract and can also represent a bigger underlying issue like genetic disorders or chronic diseases. Leading board certified Dr. Alfred Shtainer is backed by a career spanning 30 years and offers comprehensive kidney stones examination and treatment at his offices in New York.
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Now What?
If your prostate cancer screening came back positive, Dr. Shtainer offer several treatments:
Surveillance
For low-risk and slow-growing cancer, surveillance encompasses regular monitoring via PSA and DRE.
Radiation-Brachytherapy-Seed Implants
Tiny radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate, delivering targeted radiation from within.
Focal Cryotherapy
A minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that eliminates localized tumors by freezing them.
Proton Therapy
A precise, non-invasive radiation treatment to destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Like proton therapy, this non-invasive method eliminates the malignous cells by delivering ultrasound energy
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
A minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgical procedure through which the prostate gland and surrounding tissues are removed.
Hormone Therapy (Lupron Depot)
An intramuscular injection that delivers a hormone specifically indicated for treating prostate cancer. Dosing depends on each patient.
Chemotherapy
Typically delivered intravenously, chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancerous cells.
About Dr. Alfred Shtainer
With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Alfred Shtainer is one of New York’s foremost urological specialists. A Board Certified Urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he holds a faculty appointment as Clinical Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and serves as an attending urologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
FAQ
At what age should I start getting prostate cancer screening?
For most men, we recommend discussing screening starting at age 50. If you are African American or have a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, that conversation should happen at age 40 to 45. Your doctor will help you decide what is right for you based on your personal risk profile.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the approach. Surgery is a single procedure with a recovery period of several weeks. Radiation therapy may involve daily sessions over several weeks. Hormone therapy is typically ongoing. Dr. Shtainer will walk you through the full timeline during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
What if I prefer not to treat it right away?
For certain low-risk cases, that is valid and for Brooklyn and Queens, New York, residents, active surveillance at Dr. Shtainer’s office is recommended. Many men remain on surveillance for years without ever needing further treatment. However, this is an extremely personal decision that should be made together with your urologist.