Most men who think about prostate cancer screening think about one thing: PSA.
But PSA is only one piece of the picture.
In this episode of More Life for Living, Dr. John Simon — Founder & CEO of SimonMed and a radiologist with more than 30 years of experience — explains what PSA can and cannot tell you about prostate cancer risk, why some cancers may not significantly elevate PSA, and how advances in prostate MRI are creating new opportunities for earlier detection.
Dr. Simon walks through how prostate screening has evolved, from older MRI techniques that required contrast and more invasive approaches to newer noncontrast MRI exams that can be completed in a fraction of the time. He also explains why he believes PSA and MRI can be more powerful when used together rather than relying on either test alone.
The conversation goes beyond detection, addressing one of the biggest concerns men have about prostate screening: unnecessary biopsies. Dr. Simon discusses how modern imaging can help physicians better localize suspicious areas, support more targeted biopsy when needed, and monitor some findings over time.
You’ll learn:
- What PSA actually measures — and why the number can change for reasons unrelated to cancer
- Why a “normal” PSA may not always mean you’re completely in the clear
- How prostate MRI has changed over the past two decades
- Why newer prostate MRI can be performed without contrast
- How PSA and MRI may complement one another in prostate cancer detection
- How AI is helping radiologists evaluate prostate MRI
- How imaging can help make prostate biopsy more targeted
- Why some prostate cancers may be monitored rather than treated immediately
- Why family history, genetics, age, and individual risk matter
- What men should be asking their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening
Dr. Simon also discusses why men shouldn’t assume they are too young — or too old — to think about prostate cancer, and why knowing your personal risk and establishing a baseline can create more options if something changes later.
Whether you already get an annual PSA or haven’t thought much about prostate cancer screening yet, this episode offers a practical look at how screening technology is evolving — and why becoming an informed advocate for your own health matters.
Subscribe to More Life for Living for conversations with physicians, health experts, and innovators helping you live longer — and live better.
Suggested Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Why prostate cancer matters for every man
04:08 What PSA actually tells you — and what can affect the result
06:43 When should men start thinking about PSA screening?
07:22 How prostate MRI has evolved
10:00 The shift to fast, noncontrast prostate MRI using AI
11:35 Why PSA and MRI may be stronger together
13:28 PSMA PET and the next layer of prostate cancer imaging
16:00 Does more imaging mean more unnecessary biopsies?
20:01 What Dr. Simon wants men to know about early detection
23:12 Why genetics and family history matter
27:04 When should you consider establishing a baseline?
29:30 What should men ask their healthcare providers?
34:14 Dr. Simon’s final message: don’t let prostate cancer write your story
Continue Your Prostate Health Journey
Prostate MRI provides detailed images of the prostate that can help identify and localize suspicious areas for further evaluation. Advances in imaging technology now allow some prostate MRI exams to be performed without contrast and in less time than traditional approaches.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk factors, PSA history, family history, and whether prostate MRI may be appropriate for you.
About More Life for Living
More Life for Living is SimonMed’s preventive health podcast, featuring approachable conversations about prevention, early detection and the tools that can help people live healthier, longer lives.
Subscribe for more expert conversations about women’s health, longevity, advanced imaging and proactive care.
About SimonMed
SimonMed is one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging and health technology providers in the United States, operating more than 170 centers across 10 states and supported by a nationwide team of subspecialty-trained, board-certified radiologists.
SimonMed Longevity focuses on proactive health through whole-body MRI and advanced preventive screening designed to help individuals better understand their health and identify potential risks earlier.
Learn more at https://www.simonmed.com/
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs and medical decisions. Views and recommendations discussed may not apply to every patient and should be evaluated in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
