The recommended screening approach for prostate cancer in men over 50 includes which combination?

• A. PSA alone
• B. DRE alone
• C. Total PSA plus DRE
• D. PSA plus AFP

Answer: (C)

Screening for prostate cancer uses tests that complement each other. PSA is a blood marker from the prostate and can be elevated for cancer, but also for benign enlargement or infection, so it isn’t perfectly specific. A digital rectal exam (DRE) provides a physical check for abnormalities such as nodules or irregularities in the prostate that might indicate cancer. Together, measuring total PSA and performing a DRE gives better overall detection and helps balance sensitivity and specificity more effectively than either test alone. AFP isn’t used in prostate cancer screening, as it’s a marker more relevant to other cancers. So the combination of total PSA with DRE is the recommended approach.