Prostate Cancer Screening & Treatment in Melbourne

Prostate Cancer Screening & Treatment in Melbourne

Experienced, compassionate urological care from a father-son team with over 60 combined years of expertise on the Space Coast.

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Most Common In:Men over 50
Key Screening:PSA blood test
Survival Rate:98% at 5 years when detected early
Risk Factor:Family history doubles risk
What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer
Understanding Prostate Cancer

What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

The most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men - but one with excellent outcomes when found early.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin growing abnormally. While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, the reality is that prostate cancer is highly treatable - especially when detected through routine screening. Many men live full, active lives after diagnosis, and some forms progress so slowly that active surveillance is the most appropriate path.

At Zabinski Urology in Melbourne, FL, our urologists provide thorough prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and ongoing management for men across the Space Coast. Whether you are exploring screening for the first time or have received an elevated PSA result, our team is here to guide you through every step with clarity and care.

Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
Risk Factors

Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?

Several factors influence your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer risk increases with age - the majority of cases are diagnosed in men over 65. However, screening often begins at age 50, or earlier for men with elevated risk factors. African American men face approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to other groups, and the disease tends to be more aggressive in this population. A family history of prostate cancer - particularly in a father or brother - also significantly increases risk.

Other contributing factors include obesity, a diet high in processed foods and saturated fats, and exposure to certain environmental chemicals. While you cannot change your age, race, or genetics, understanding your personal risk profile helps our urologists recommend the right screening timeline for you.

Understanding Prostate Cancer Staging
Staging & Grades

Understanding Prostate Cancer Staging

Not all prostate cancers are the same - staging and grading determine your treatment path.

When prostate cancer is detected, your urologist will determine its stage (how far it has spread) and grade (how aggressive the cells appear under a microscope). The Gleason score, now often reported as the Grade Group (1 through 5), helps classify the cancer's aggressiveness. Low-grade cancers (Grade Group 1) grow slowly and may only require active surveillance, while higher-grade cancers may benefit from more immediate intervention.

Staging ranges from Stage I (confined to a small area of the prostate) to Stage IV (spread beyond the prostate to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs). At Zabinski Urology, we use PSA testing, digital rectal exams, imaging, and biopsy results to build a complete picture of your diagnosis. This thorough approach ensures that treatment recommendations - whether active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy - are precisely matched to your individual situation.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Contributing Factors

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause remains unknown, but research has identified clear contributing factors.

01

Age

Risk rises sharply after age 50 and continues increasing with each decade. Over 60% of cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older.

02

Family History

Having a first-degree relative with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk. Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 also elevate risk.

03

Race & Ethnicity

African American men are diagnosed at higher rates and tend to develop more aggressive forms. The reasons are likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.

04

Diet & Lifestyle

Diets high in red meat and dairy, combined with low fruit and vegetable intake, have been associated with increased risk. Obesity may also contribute to more aggressive disease.

05

Hormonal Factors

Testosterone and other androgens fuel prostate cell growth. While normal hormone levels do not cause cancer, they can accelerate the growth of existing cancer cells.

Why Choose Zabinski Urology for Prostate Cancer Care
Why Zabinski Urology

Why Choose Zabinski Urology for Prostate Cancer Care

A father-son team with deep roots in Melbourne and a shared commitment to patient-first urology.

  • 60+ Combined Years of Experience
  • Comprehensive In-Office Diagnostics
  • Personalized Treatment Plans
  • Spanish-Speaking Staff Available

Screening & Diagnostic Options at Zabinski Urology

Understanding your options for prostate cancer detection and monitoring.

Procedure Best For Session Time What It Reveals Follow-Up
PSA Blood Test Initial screening and ongoing monitoring 5 minutes Elevated protein levels that may indicate cancer Repeat annually or as directed
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) Physical evaluation of prostate size and texture 1-2 minutes Abnormal lumps, hard areas, or asymmetry Combined with PSA for comprehensive screening
Cystoscopy Evaluating urinary symptoms and ruling out bladder involvement 15-20 minutes Visual inspection of urethra and bladder lining As needed based on findings
Signs and Risk Factors That Warrant Screening
Should You Be Screened?

Signs and Risk Factors That Warrant Screening

Early prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms - which is exactly why screening matters.

  • Age 50 or Older
  • Family History of Prostate Cancer
  • African American Heritage
  • Elevated PSA Level
  • Urinary Symptoms
  • Pelvic or Bone Pain
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer

Clear answers to help you make informed decisions about your prostate health.

01 What PSA level is considered concerning?

A PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL is traditionally considered elevated, but context matters. PSA can be raised by benign conditions like an enlarged prostate (BPH) or infection. Your urologist will evaluate your PSA in the context of your age, prostate size, rate of PSA change over time, and other factors before recommending a biopsy.

02 What happens during a prostate biopsy?

A prostate biopsy involves using thin needles to collect small tissue samples from the prostate, typically guided by ultrasound. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and is performed with local anesthesia. Most patients experience mild discomfort and can return to normal activities within a day or two.

03 What is active surveillance, and is it safe?

Active surveillance is a monitoring strategy for low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer. Instead of immediate treatment, your urologist tracks the cancer with regular PSA tests, exams, and periodic biopsies. Research shows that active surveillance is safe for appropriately selected patients and avoids the side effects of unnecessary treatment while preserving quality of life.

04 What treatment options are available for prostate cancer?

Treatment depends on the cancer's stage, grade, and your overall health. Options include active surveillance for low-risk disease, surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and in some cases chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Our urologists will discuss the benefits and risks of each option based on your specific diagnosis.

05 At what age should I start prostate cancer screening?

The American Urological Association recommends that average-risk men begin discussing PSA screening at age 50. Men with higher risk factors - including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer - should start the conversation at age 40 to 45. Screening is a shared decision between you and your urologist.

06 Does an elevated PSA always mean I have cancer?

No. Many conditions can raise PSA levels, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (prostate infection), recent vigorous exercise, or even recent ejaculation. Only about 25% of men with elevated PSA who undergo biopsy are found to have prostate cancer. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether further testing is needed.

07 Can prostate cancer be cured?

When detected early - before it spreads beyond the prostate - the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100%. Even in more advanced cases, modern treatments can effectively control the disease for many years. Early detection through regular screening is the single most important factor in achieving the best outcomes.

Location129 W Hibiscus Blvd, Suite D
Melbourne , FL, 32901
Emailinfo@zabinskiurology.com
Phone(321) 372-1372
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Scientific References

  1. PubMed (PMID: 29801017) - US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement on PSA-based screening for prostate cancer, concluding that the decision should be individualized for men aged 55-69.
  2. PubMed (PMID: 32955176) - Long-term follow-up of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) demonstrating significant prostate cancer mortality reduction with PSA screening at 16 years.
  3. PubMed (PMID: 27458561) - Loeb et al. systematic review confirming the safety of active surveillance as an initial management strategy for low-risk prostate cancer with minimal risk of metastatic progression.
  4. PubMed (PMID: 31553244) - American Urological Association and Society of Urologic Oncology joint guideline on clinically localized prostate cancer, providing evidence-based treatment recommendations by risk category.
  5. PubMed (PMID: 29033457) - ProtecT randomized trial comparing active monitoring, surgery, and radiation for localized prostate cancer, finding similar 10-year survival across all groups.