Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to determine abnormality within the prostate. A PSA level may rise or change for several reasons including cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (infection within the prostate), sexual activity, or urinary tract infection.

Digital Rectal exam (DRE) - should be combined with a PSA test. This will check the size and shape of the prostate as well as check for abnormalities.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - noncancerous growth of the cells within the prostate gland. BPH is common in older men. BPH affects the inside part of the prostate first. Enlargement frequently causes a gradual squeezing of the urethra where it runs throught the prostate. Sometimes this causes difficulty in urinating or other urinary problems.