Understanding your diagnosis and what your test results mean

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and the tests and terminology involved can be difficult to understand. Research involving thousands of men with prostate cancer shows that many patients feel they need clearer information about their diagnosis and the monitoring process.1,2

Studies show that when patients understand their diagnostic tests and what the results mean, they feel more in control and better prepared for conversations with their healthcare team.3 Knowing what to expect from procedures like biopsies, MRI scans, and PSA testing can help reduce anxiety and support more informed discussions about next steps.

How these videos support patients:

These short, animated videos – developed with healthcare professionals and patients – explain key topics in the diagnostic journey, including prostate physiology, Tumor Nodes Metastasis (TNM) staging, PSA testing, prostatic biopsy (with a focus on the perineal approach), prostate MRI, MRI fusion biopsy, and PSMA PET/CT scans. Each video breaks down complex medical procedures and terminology into clear, digestible language so patients can better understand their results, ask informed questions, and feel more confident when discussing their diagnosis and monitoring plan with their doctor.

Prostate physiology

Explore prostate physiology, including the structure and function of the prostate gland.

TNM

Understand the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system, which classifies prostate cancer based on tumor size, lymph nodes, and metastasis.

PSA

Learn about PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), a blood biomarker used for risk assessment, detection, and monitoring of prostate cancer.

Prostate biopsy

Explore perineal prostate biopsy, a method of collecting tissue samples through the perineum with improved accuracy and safety.

Prostate MRI

Understand prostate MRI, an imaging technique used to detect and assess prostate cancer.

MRI fusion biopsy

Learn how MRI fusion biopsy combines MRI and ultrasound to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis.

PSMA PET/CT scan

Discover PSMA PET/CT scanning, an advanced imaging technique for detecting prostate cancer spread and recurrence.