Final answer:
The decision for prostate cancer screenings using PCA3 or PSA tests is complex due to the slow growth of some cancers and the potential harm from treatment. Diagnosis involves a biopsy after detecting potential signs, while treatment options carry risks and require careful consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males, with some forms growing very slowly and not requiring treatment, and others being aggressive and metastasizing to organs like the lungs and brain. The United States Preventative Services Task Force in 2011 recommended against using the PSA test for screening healthy men for prostate cancer, as it does not significantly reduce mortality rates and can lead to unnecessary side effects from treatment. The PCA3 test is considered more accurate, yet the recommendations remain cautious due to the potential harm from treatment outweighing the benefits.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed through a biopsy following detection of unusual masses during a rectal exam or elevated levels of PSA in the blood. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, and pain during urination or ejaculation. Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation exist, but they come with risks and side effects, making the decision for screening and treatment a matter of personal and medical discretion based on risks and life expectancy.