Prostate Cancer Screening
PSA Blood Test
The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures the level of PSA protein in your blood. Elevated PSA may indicate prostate inflammation, enlargement, or cancer.
Duration: Around 5 minutes for a standard blood draw.
Sensation: Mild discomfort or brief stinging at the needle site; no recovery time required.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
The DRE allows Dr Tan to assess the prostate’s size, shape, and surface through a short physical examination. It helps detect nodules or irregularities not visible on scans or blood tests.
Duration: About 1–2 minutes.
Sensation: A brief feeling of pressure or mild discomfort, but the exam is not painful. It is performed professionally and only when clinically indicated.
Imaging & Advanced Tests
If PSA results are raised or inconclusive, Dr Tan may recommend additional assessments such as Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) or the Prostate Health Index (PHI) test.
Duration: MRI scans typically take 30–45 minutes; PHI blood tests take less than 10 minutes.
Sensation: Both tests are non-invasive and painless. No sedation or downtime is needed.
Follow-Up Evaluation
If abnormalities are detected, Dr Tan will review the findings and discuss next steps, which may include repeat PSA testing, MRI, or a targeted biopsy if warranted.
Duration: Depends on the procedure type. Consultations usually last 15–30 minutes.
Sensation: Discussion-based; further procedures, if recommended, are explained clearly before being performed.