Dr. Carlton McGregor, an internist and pulmonary (lung diseases) specialist who works at New York Presbyterian Hospital, found out he had prostate cancer after getting a thorough medical exam in fall 2024. His blood test for prostate cancer came back elevated, and due to his family history of prostate cancer (his father had it), he decided to get a biopsy of the prostate. The result of the biopsy showed mid- to serious cancer even though he didn't have symptoms. Dr. McGregor thinks it's important for men to get screened for prostate cancer. Read more about screening in the article below!

Q: Who should get screened for prostate cancer?

A: If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should get screened. The doctor should take a family history to learn whether or not prostate cancer is in your family. If you're age 40 and older you should also get screened. If people in your family were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age, such as in their 30s, you should consider getting screened before age 30.

Q: How can a man get screened for prostate cancer?

A: You should have a digital rectal examination and a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test at your yearly doctor's appointment to screen for prostate cancer. A man should know his PSA levels-just as he should know his blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. You especially need to know your PSA if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

Q: What are some reasons why men would not get screened for prostate cancer?

A: Men, particularly men of color, may be concerned about the digital rectal exam, which involves the health provider inserting a finger into the rectum to check the size and shape of the prostate. An enlarged prostate or one that has a lump on the surface may be a potential indication of cancer. Some men resist screening because it is somewhat uncomfortable. Others may have concerns about the exam itself-maybe because they think they are being sexually assaulted. Still others may have fears because they are afraid of what the provider may find and what the treatment may due to their sexual performance. However, with education and care provided by sensitive, understanding health providers, men can be screened effectively. Additionally, the blood test (PSA) is an important tool used to assist in the screening process.

Q: What is the controversy regarding PSA tests?

A: The controversy is the question of what you should do when the PSA levels are high. Something important to consider is your age when you are diagnosed. If you are in your 40s and you have an elevated PSA, a prostatic biopsy may be needed to see if you have prostate cancer or not. Depending on the stage of cancer, that will determine what kind of treatment you may have. I think that you need to know exactly what you have before the disease becomes too advanced and spreads to other parts of your body.

Q: Where can people get screened in Harlem or Northern Manhattan?

A: You can get screened at your doctor's office. Any internist or urologist can perform the digital rectal exam and PSA. If you don't have a primary care doctor, you can get it done at any internal medicine clinic in Harlem, or at Columbia Medical Center.

To read more about prostate cancer, Dr. McGregor recommends visiting the Mayo Clinic Prostate Cancer website.

Harlem Word is a series of interviews with Harlem health experts, written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.