Survival of patients with prostate cancer depends on a number of factors. One of the most important factors is early diagnosis. One of the first indications that a man may have prostate cancer is a difficulty to urinate.
Enlargement of the prostate causes urinary symptoms which motivates the patient to see a urologist. During this initial visit with the urologist an interview to obtain a medical history and a digital rectal examination (DRE) allows for assessment of size, texture and uniformity of the prostate gland.
A blood sample will be obtained for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. This test allows for the detection of prostatic disease.

If prostate cancer is suspected, the urologist may choose one or all of these procedures to confirm his suspicions:

		• Biopsy: Samples of prostate tissue are obtained using a thin needle, generally 6 to 12 specimens are analysed.
		• MRI or scanner: Imaging of body parts to detect an extension of the cancer to other organs (lymph nodes, liver, etc.)
		• Bonescan: Imaging by injection, usually done to rule out bone metastasis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can guarantee to the patient a longer and more normal life.